Giants Activate TE Darren Waller From IR

DECEMBER 16: It didn’t take much practice for the Giants to deem Waller ready to return. Two days after opening his 21-day practice window, New York has announced Waller’s activation off of IR. The 31-year-old tight end is still listed as questionable heading into Sunday’s trip to New Orleans, but if he’s available to play, it’s an immediate upgrade to the Giants’ offense. Despite having not played since October, Waller is still second on the team in both receptions and receiving yards. If healthy, Waller will take most of the offensive snaps with Daniel Bellinger, pushing converted wide receiver Lawrence Cager back to a reserve role.

DECEMBER 14, 11:02am: In a move which comes as little surprise given Waller’s comments, the Giants have indeed designated him for return. He now has 21 days to be activated, and he could be brought back onto the active roster in time for Week 15. New York has five IR activations remaining.

DECEMBER 14, 8:58am: The Giants’ offense could be close to getting a notable boost. Tight end Darren Waller remains on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury, but he feels confident he will be able to play in the near future.

Waller has not played since Week 8 after he encountered his most recent hamstring issue. The team’s decision to place him on IR guaranteed a four-week absence, but the Giants can now bring him back at any time. Doing so would require designating him for return, which would open his 21-day practice window. That has still not happened, but Waller’s remarks indicate he is ready to return to action.

“Just a matter of them opening up the window and I’ll be at practice,” the Pro Bowler said, via Paul Schwartz of the New York Post. “Whenever that is, I’ll be out there. I’m just waiting [for] the word.”

Despite missing signficant time, Waller ranks second on the Giants in both receptions (26) and yards (384). Being able to return to the field would thus give the team another option in the passing game, something which would be a welcomed addition. New York ranks last in the league with an average of 180 passing yards per game, though the offense has received a spark in recent weeks with undrafted rookie Tommy DeVito under center.

While Waller could help the Giants continue their winning streak if he were to be activated in time for Week 15, a return to the field at any point could help him reclaim some value from an otherwise disappointing debut season with the team. The 31-year-old arrived with signficant expectations after being traded by the Raiders this offseason, given his own track record and the Giants’ lack of proven pass-catching options. Waller has scored just one touchdown in 2023, eclipsing 76 yards in a game twice to date.

The former sixth-rounder is under contract through 2026, and he is due eight-figure compensation each year beginning in 2024. Roughly $2.5MM is guaranteed each season, however, so the Giants would be able to move on from him with relative ease if they elected to do so. Waller could play his way into New York’s long-term plans with a return to the field and strong play, though, something which could be around the corner.