The Las Vegas Raiders are desperately in need of a win Sunday. They are 6-6 on the season, two games behind the division leading Kansas City Chiefs. The Raiders have hope that they will get their Pro Bowl tight end, Darren Waller, back from injury this week. However, the week did not start out on a good note.

Waller missed the first practice of the week with knee and back injuries. He sustained the injuries late in the first half against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving.

In his absence last week, back up tight end Foster Moreau did not have much of an impact on the game, reeling in one catch for 34 yards on three targets. The Raiders lost at home to the Washington Football Team. The loss dropped them into a crazy mess in the AFC.

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Only 1.5 games separate the #5 seed and #13 seed in the AFC standings. So, every win would be meaningful. This week, the Raiders are in Arrowhead Stadium to take on the Chiefs. If they win that game, winning the division is still in play. If they lose, the division is all but out of reach and the wild card will be slipping away as well.

Darren Waller is coming off a career year in 2020. He caught 107 passes for almost 1,200 yards receiving and nine touchdowns. This season, defenses have focused more on him and his stats reflect that. He only has 53 catches for 642 yards and two scores.

But even having him on the field would make a big difference for the Raiders offense. The Chiefs beat the Raiders 41-14 a few weeks ago, so Las Vegas will probably need all hands on deck in this one. Keep an eye out to see whether Waller is able to get in some limited practices this week. That would strongly enhance his chances of suiting up.