The Las Vegas Raiders pulled off a big upset on Thanksgiving, defeating the Dallas Cowboys 36-33 in overtime. However, it appeared as though it might have been a pyrrhic victory, as Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller suffered a knee injury.
In the first half, Waller was tackled after a long catch and run and immediately grabbed at his knee. He was visibly writhing in pain.
Darren Waller slow to get up after the big catch!
Losing him would be a huge blow for the Raiders!#Raiders pic.twitter.com/swFZZ1YRIB
— TimeoutSPORTS__ (@TimeoutSPORTS3) November 25, 2021
Waller left the game and did not return. There were concerns of a major knee injury. Thankfully, the Las Vegas Raiders got some good news on Friday.
As first reported by NBC Sports Edge, Waller's MRI showed that he avoided a serious knee injury and suffered only a strained IT band.
Report: Darren Waller avoided major injury. https://t.co/0wdTtis50i
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) November 26, 2021
There is no clear timetable for his return to the field of play. But it does not appear as though Waller will miss very much time, if any. Raiders tight end Foster Moreau would start in place of Waller if he were to miss any time.
With the Raiders big win on Thanksgiving, they improved to 6-5 on the season and are firmly alive in a dog race for the AFC West. Kansas City leads the division at 7-4, with the Los Angeles Chargers 6-4 and the Denver Broncos at 5-5.
The Raiders have a few extra days to rest up ahead of their home matchup against the Washington Football Team in Week 13. The following week they play at Kansas City. Undoubtedly, they would need Waller healthy for that game.
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