One of the more divisive topics right now within Raider Nation deals with the play, or lack thereof, of one particular player. We’re, of course, referring to Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller. Well, today there was some positive news regarding the Pro Bowl pass catcher.
ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez shared a picture earlier today confirming that Waller was on the field practicing for the Raiders. This came after head coach Josh McDaniels was asked in the morning if Waller would indeed be practicing. Even more interesting is that No. 83 isn’t wearing a red non-contact jersey. Could the tight end possibly return against the Saints? The Raiders, for their part, have been on a tear offensively. Both Josh Jacobs and the offensive line are mauling opposing defenses. While that bodes well at the moment, sooner or later, defenses will figure things out and will begin to slow down Jacobs. At that point, Derek Carr will need all of his weapons ready to go, Waller included.
Raider Nation and Darren Waller: A True Drama
The relationship between Waller and some (not all) Raiders fans is quite interesting. Many of the same folks that were begging general manager Dave Ziegler to give him a new deal (despite being under contract) are the ones who have turned on Waller. The accusations are quite outlandish, such as him no longer having a passion for football now that he has received serious money or his off-the-field relationship being a distraction. It’s the stuff that dramas are made of, and let’s face it, Raider Nation likes a good story.
Just take a look at what some fans are saying on Twitter with regard to Waller’s return to practice as evidence. For now, we’ll have to wait and see if Waller keeps practicing and if he’s green-lit for Sunday’s action.
This overpaid BUM better play Sunday https://t.co/taIQ1GF0Kk
— MellowMike T (@MellowMikeT) October 26, 2022
I don’t think people are turning on Waller. It’s clear he can’t stay healthy and his heart n mind is not into the game like 2 years ago. He has a lot going on his personal life that IMO has him distracted.
— Ariel Zuniga (@619Raider4Life) October 26, 2022
WALLER NEEDS GET TRADED
HE HAS BECOME A LIABILITY ALREADY
DUDE GETS HURT CONSTANTLY😡😡 SMH— PremierPirate☠213AREA🗡🎃ðŸˆðŸ¥ƒ (@CucumberGanya) October 26, 2022
just IR the guy so his hammy can be 100…and we roll with Adams, Jacobs Hollins and Moreau…put Renfrow in the weight room while at it lol
— Antonio (@RaiderAntonioJ) October 26, 2022
Wow 🤩 all of a sudden he like practice just before the trade deadline! Cmon be dedicated to ur team just like when you new ur about to get paid that bag of money you practiced do it for the love of the game!
— Kevin Pihi (@PihiKevin) October 26, 2022
Charmin tissue Waller is back
— LA Sports for Life (@RaiderMatt5204) October 26, 2022
It’s kinda weird how quickly people turned on Darren Waller.
— Just Win….Maybe? (@NJRaiderG) October 25, 2022
He earned an extension at $17m a year. after back-to-back years of avg. 90+ catches and over 1,000 years.
A big cap hit, but he was to be a major part of our rebirth.
Trhough six games, he is at $1 million a CATCH.
— THE BOOTS (@LeaveTheBootsOn) October 26, 2022
*Top Photo: Darren Waller/AP