Against The Saints, Giants Get A Significant Boost Before Their Week 15 Game…
With tight end Darren Waller back in the lineup on Sunday, the offensive production of the suddenly dominant New York Giants will be greatly increased.
Waller missed the last five games with a hamstring injury but returned to practice this week. The Giants listed him as questionable for their Week 15 matchup with the New Orleans Saints before being activated on Saturday.
The eight-year veteran makes his way back to the field at the perfect time. The G-men are thriving, winning three in a row behind unexpected budding star, quarterback Tommy DeVito.
The undrafted rookie has led the Giants to a 3-1 record in four starts but averaged only 170 passing yards a game. That’s where Waller could come in handy.
At 31, Waller isn’t the same player he once was, but he’s proven, even this season, he can still be impactful.
Through eight games, Waller has 36 catches for 384 yards (10.7 YPC) and one touchdown. With the exception of Week 8, when an injury forced him to leave early, he has recorded three catches or more in each game this season.
Furthermore, he was beginning to heat up, posting 20 receptions for 227 yards and a score from Week 5 through Week 7.
The Saints are also a great matchup for Waller, as tight ends have feasted on their defense.
Recently, Chicago Bears’ Cole Kmet (six catches, 55 yards, two TDs), Minnesota Vikings’ T.J. Hockenson (11 catches, 134 yards, one TD) and Detroit Lions’ Sam LaPorta (nine catches, 140 yards, one TD), have gotten the better of them.
There is concern that Waller’s injury may flare up again, as this is the second time he’s dealt with hamstring issues this season. However, if healthy, he’s definitely an upgrade for DeVito and company.
The Giants are surprisingly still in the running for the NFC playoffs with a 5-5 record, but they cannot afford to lose any more games. While it’s still early, it wouldn’t hurt to have a seasoned Pro Bowler return if they want to continue their incredible journey.