Darren Waller Week 10 fantasy outlook: Injury report and game status explored

Darren Waller is the star tight end for the Las Vegas Raiders. Waller has been sidelined since Week 5 due to a hamstring problem and fantasy owners will be unsure what to make of his questionable status. Many are optimistic that he will play against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 10.

Although Waller participated in practice minimally throughout the week before last Sunday's game, the Raiders decided to be cautious. They ruled Waller out for a third straight game. Las Vegas were concerned that playing him could exacerbate the injury and keep him out for a prolonged period.

Foster Moreau remained the Raiders' primary tight end last week, but if Waller stays injury-free, he should be able to play in Week 10. There is still some time between now and Sunday's game against the Colts, so this is far from a green light.

Darren Waller's Week 10 fantasy outlook

Las Vegas Raiders v Tennessee Titans

Two weeks in a row, Darren Waller has put in minimal practice time, yet he was still unable to play last week. This should be seen as a positive, as when he does return, he will likely be 100% ready and therefore will not see a reduced snap count.

This week's matchup with the Colts' defensive line seems favorable. Indianapolis have given up the 12th-most fantasy points per game to TEs this season, but are under new interim head coach Jeff Saturday.

Foster Moreau is a Week 10 streaming possibility and will take over as the Raiders' TE1 if Waller can't play. Last week, Foster Moreau had two catches for 42 yards against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Injury forced Darren Waller to compete in just 11 games in 2021. However, he was on track to lead the franchise in receptions and yards had he played the entire campaign. He was expected to play a huge role in the new Raiders system this season after they signed Davante Adams from the Green Bay Packers. Thus far, injuries have prevented that from happening.

Waller's predicament is frustrating for owners who drafted him before the season started, but you should keep the faith. Waller's upside is tremendous and if he hits his form, he could be the difference between winning and losing multiple matchups.

If Darren Waller is available this week, it is a risk to start him due to his injury. Keep an eye on reports and interviews, as these will give a clearer picture closer to the weekend. If you don't want to risk it, it might be worth considering streaming a tight end like Cole Kmet. Kmet has seen an uptick in production of late and has caught three touchdowns in the last two weeks.

Realistically, due to the scarcity of prolific receiving tight ends, Waller is worth considering right away. He'll be risky, but most tight ends are risky anyway.