There are a lot of injuries where the Raiders can confidently say ‘Next man up’. Darren Waller is not one of them. But that’s the situation they’re in for the second of half against the Cowboys.
Waller left early in the second quarter with a knee injury and didn’t return. When the team took the field after the half, he was no longer suited up and officially ruled OUT.
The Pro Bowl tight end is the Raiders’ best player and leading receiver. He’s coming off a game season-best game last week against the Chiefs in which he caught seven passes for 116 yards.
He injured himself on his second catch of the game and the team clearly missed him on their next trip to the red zone where they would settle for a field goal after a missed connection with reserve tight end Daniel Helm.
Even with the missed opportunity, the Raiders held the 17-13 lead entering the third quarter. Though it could be difficult to hold or extend that lead without their top player.
