Darren Waller

Carolina Panthers
Tight End
FANTASY NEWS STATS INJURY

Darren Waller News RotoBaller

Darren Waller Turning Heads After 10-Target Performance

Carolina Panthers tight end Darren Waller has been inconsistent week over week this season, but his performance this past Sunday against the Denver Broncos could be enough to justify adding him off waivers in most leagues. Waller exploded for eight catches on 10 targets Sunday, adding 90 yards and one touchdown along the way. Carolina found itself playing behind and relying on passing attempts -- often to Waller and Tetairoa McMillan -- to keep them in the game. The veteran's inconsistency this year does prevent him from having immediate TE1 status in fantasy football, but he's absolutely trending in the right direction. Plus, Carolina has tough matchups coming up against the Saints, Ravens, Buccaneers, and Vikings, creating some potential negative game script environments in which the Panthers could look to throw the ball early and often. Managers should consider adding Waller off waivers, especially in deeper leagues or scenarios where managers may need a quick bye week fill-in.

Nov 9, 2026 5:40 PM EST

Darren Waller has Breakout Performance in Week 9

Carolina Panthers tight end Darren Waller was a major factor in the offense during Sunday's Week 9 contest against the Denver Broncos. Heading into this game, Waller had two receptions for 61 yards over his last three games. The 34-year-old was able to have much more success on Sunday. He hauled in eight of his 10 targets for 90 yards and a touchdown in the loss. Both the receptions and yardage were season highs for Waller. It was odd to see Waller get double-digit targets after seeing a combined six over his previous three games. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect this kind of success to continue, but he'll hopefully remain a consistent option against the New Orleans Saints next week.

Nov 8, 2026 1:29 PM EST

Darren Waller Seen on Sidelines at Tuesday's Practice

Carolina Panthers tight end Darren Waller was spotted on the sidelines during Tuesday's practice, according to ESPN's Mike Kaye. The reason for his sideline activity has not been reported, leaving some uncertainty about his status ahead of Sunday's Week 9 matchup against the Denver Broncos. Carolina has previously given the 34-year-old scheduled veteran rest days, so his appearance on the sidelines does not necessarily indicate a new injury. Waller was not listed on the team's final Week 8 injury report and played against Green Bay last Thursday, catching one of two targets for 11 yards. He has recorded 15 receptions for 209 yards and three touchdowns across seven games, but has drawn just two targets in each of his past three appearances. Tommy Tremble and Mitchell Evans could see additional opportunities if Waller becomes unavailable, although his recent lack of involvement already limits his fantasy appeal.

Nov 3, 2026 9:42 AM EST

Darren Waller a Low-Level Fantasy Option in Tough Matchup

Carolina tight end Darren Waller has a very tough test awaiting in Week 8 against Green Bay on Thursday night. The Packers have been one of the toughest matchups for fantasy tight ends so far, and Waller himself hasn't delivered much, so the tight end is a low-level fantasy option for the coming week. Waller was a bit involved across the team's first four games, tallying at least two catches and 28 yards in each contest, but he's managed just one catch across the past two games combined. The reception was a 50-yard touchdown in Week 7 against Tampa Bay, so he still put up a solid fantasy score, but the bigger takeaway is his lack of involvement lately. He slots in 21st among tight ends in our RotoBaller Week 8 projections, showing he is a better option in deeper fantasy setups.

Oct 28, 2026 10:27 AM EST

Darren Waller Remains an Extremely Risky Streaming Option

Carolina Panthers tight end Darren Waller turned one of two targets into a 50-yard touchdown in Sunday's Week 7 loss to Tampa Bay, but the big play masked his limited role in a crowded tight end rotation. Waller logged just 45% of Carolina's offensive snaps, nearly identical to his 46% share in Week 6, and drew only four targets across those two games. The Panthers' tight end rotation leaves little room for optimism. Tommy Tremble played 68% of the snaps and scored twice against Philadelphia in Week 6, then saw his share fall to 48% against Tampa Bay while matching Waller with only two targets. Mitchell Evans also remains involved, logging snap shares of 54% and 50% over the past two weeks. With three tight ends competing for limited opportunities, Waller is a touchdown-or-bust desperation streamer, not a dependable fantasy option.

Oct 27, 2026 8:32 AM EST

Darren Waller Snags Long Touchdown in Loss

Carolina Panthers tight end Darren Waller was able to somewhat bounce back after posting a dud during last week's game. Waller ripped off a big score during Sunday's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The veteran tight end scored a 50-yard touchdown, but that was his only catch of the game. It has not been an ideal season for Waller, who has only two games with 50 receiving yards or more heading into the Week 8 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. He's looking like a low-floor TE2 for that game.

Oct 25, 2026 3:00 PM EST

Darren Waller Too Risky of a Bet in Week 7

Carolina Panthers tight end Darren Waller needs to rebound in a big way, but it might not be enough for fantasy managers in Week 7 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The veteran's fantasy value dipped after he posted goose eggs in Week 6, catching neither of his two targets against the Philadelphia Eagles. Waller was dealing with a toe injury before that game, but did not miss any time for injury-related reasons ahead of Sunday's game against Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers have struggled against the passing game, which could lead Bryce Young to vary his targets. However, Waller's diminished target share and poor Week 6 performance make him a risky bet, even as a deep-league streaming option.

Oct 23, 2026 3:24 PM EST

Darren Waller Looking to Remain Involved in Week 6 Game Versus Eagles

Carolina Panthers tight end Darren Waller (toe) enters Sunday's Week 6 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles with 13 receptions for 148 yards (11.4 yards per reception) and two touchdowns. He will look to continue his solid production against the Eagles. Warren is dealing with a toe injury and was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday before being upgraded to a full participant on Friday. He will come into Sunday's game without an injury designation and is good to go. Waller faces a Philadelphia defense that allows 238.8 passing yards per game (26th in the NFL), but, according to Pro Football Reference, only gives up 4.9 fantasy points per game to tight end (eighth in the NFL). Waller has caught both of his touchdowns in the red zone this season. He is RotoBaller's No. 18 tight end for Week 6 (half-PPR).

Oct 17, 2026 6:48 AM EST

Darren Waller Carries No Injury Designation Into Week 6

Carolina Panthers tight end Darren Waller (toe) practiced in full Friday and carries no injury designation into Sunday's Week 6 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to the team's final injury report. Waller was listed as a limited participant Wednesday and Thursday, although Wednesday's participation was only an estimate because Carolina did not practice. He has caught 13 passes for 148 yards and two touchdowns through four games, with both scores coming against Atlanta in Week 2. His involvement in the passing game has increased recently, drawing eight targets against Cleveland in Week 3 and six against Detroit in Week 4 after receiving just five combined over the first two games. However, those 14 targets produced only eight catches for 87 yards without a touchdown. With Jalen Coker also cleared to play, Waller remains a touchdown-dependent TE2 option for fantasy managers in Week 6.

Oct 16, 2026 11:35 AM EST

Darren Waller Remains Limited With Toe Injury

Carolina Panthers tight end Darren Waller (toe) was limited in Thursday's practice, according to Joe Person, matching his estimated participation from Wednesday's walkthrough. Waller dealt with the same injury ahead of Carolina's Week 4 victory over Detroit but was able to play, catching three passes for 36 yards. The 34-year-old has recorded 13 receptions for 148 yards and two touchdowns on 19 targets through four games, with both scores coming against Atlanta in Week 2. His involvement has increased recently, drawing 14 targets over his last two appearances and turning those opportunities into eight catches for 87 yards. That usage offers some encouragement for fantasy managers, although Waller hasn't found the end zone since Week 2. Fellow tight end Tommy Tremble (ribs) has also been limited this week, leaving Carolina with some uncertainty at the position ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Waller remains a potential streaming option in deeper leagues.

Oct 15, 2026 12:03 PM EST

Darren Waller Carries Limited Week 6 Streaming Appeal

Carolina Panthers tight end Darren Waller returns from his Week 5 bye having drawn 14 targets over his last two games, but a difficult matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles makes him a risky fantasy option. Waller has caught 13 of 19 targets for 148 yards and two touchdowns through four games, with both scores coming against Atlanta in Week 2. His involvement increased against Cleveland and Detroit, although those 14 targets produced only eight receptions for 87 yards. Waller also played just 53% of Carolina's offensive snaps against the Lions, with Tommy Tremble and Mitchell Evans continuing to see substantial playing time. The Panthers could also welcome back Jalen Coker (quadriceps), who is reportedly on track to return after missing Week 4. Philadelphia has generally defended opposing tight ends well, adding another obstacle for a player whose fantasy production has been inconsistent outside his two-touchdown outing. Rostered in just 16% of leagues, Waller remains worth considering in 14-team formats, but his uncertain workload makes him a touchdown-dependent streaming option rather than a priority waiver addition.

Oct 13, 2026 8:00 AM EST

Darren Waller Could Hit Waiver Wires with Panthers on Bye

In a Week 4 win played without one of the team's leading receivers, Carolina Panthers tight end Darren Waller caught only three passes for 36 yards. With Jalen Coker (quadriceps) sidelined by a quadriceps injury, the passing offense was funneled primarily through second-year receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who set or matched career highs across the board with 14 receptions on 16 targets, 192 yards, and two touchdowns. Still, despite a quiet outing, Waller remains a critical piece of one of the league's most improved offenses. Following a disappointing performance, and with the Panthers on a Week 5 bye, he is likely to hit waivers in a number of leagues, making the 34-year-old veteran an intriguing stash candidate for contending teams with adequate bench space. Unfortunately, the Panthers face an Eagles team in Week 6 that has been the most difficult tight end matchup through the first month of the season.

Oct 6, 2026 9:13 AM EST

Darren Waller Comes Up Short in Favorable Spot

Carolina Panthers tight end Darren Waller had a favorable setup Sunday night and did very little with it. Waller caught three of six targets for 36 yards in the 32-26 win over Detroit, a disappointing result against a defense that had already allowed six touchdowns to tight ends through three games. The opportunity was there, too. Carolina played without Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette, while Bryce Young threw 41 passes for 329 yards. Waller still finished well behind Tetairoa McMillan, who dominated the passing game with 14 catches for 192 yards and two touchdowns. The veteran also played only 53% of the offensive snaps as Mitchell Evans and Tommy Tremble remained heavily involved. Waller has now gone two straight games without a touchdown after scoring twice in Week 2. With Carolina heading into its bye, his fantasy stock has cooled considerably.

Oct 5, 2026 6:45 AM EST

Darren Waller a Priority Streaming Option in Week 4

The Carolina Panthers' receiver room is battling injuries, but tight end Darren Waller should see more targets in Week 4. Waller was dealing with a toe injury leading up to Week 4, but was off the injury list and a full practice participant on Friday. The veteran has hauled in 10 receptions on 13 targets for 112 yards this season, and his target share should spike in Week 4 since receiver Xavier Legette (knee) is out and Jalen Coker (quad) is questionable to play. Detroit has struggled to contain tight ends this season and is allowing a league-high 299.3 passing yards per game. Even if Coker plays, Waller is a priority streaming option against a struggling Detroit D.

Oct 2, 2026 12:40 PM EST

Darren Waller a Premier Tight End Streamer Ahead of Week 4

Carolina Panthers tight end Darren Waller was heavily involved in his team's passing game in their Week 3 loss to the Cleveland Browns, recording five catches for 51 yards on eight targets. The 34-year-old has gotten off to a solid start to the season, hauling in 10 receptions for 112 yards and two touchdowns on 13 targets across three games. Waller's increased usage came after Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (quad) left the game with a quad strain. Coker reportedly avoided serious injury, but his status for Carolina's Week 4 matchup against the Detroit Lions is up in the air. Even if Coker plays, Waller could be in position for a big game in Week 4. The Lions' pass defense has really struggled to begin 2026 and has already given up six receiving touchdowns to tight ends this season. In leagues where he's available on the waiver wire, Waller profiles as a priority tight end streamer for fantasy managers.

Sep 28, 2026 5:09 PM EST

Darren Waller a Red-Zone Threat in Week 3

Carolina Panthers tight end Darren Waller is a touchdown threat in Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns. Waller's receiving volume figures to stay low, but if you are in dire need of a start at the position, Waller could deliver. The Panthers should find themselves in scoring position often on Sunday, and the team clearly wants to get Waller heavily involved around the goal line. He scored two touchdowns in Week 2 and had a touchdown called back due to a penalty in Week 1. Waller has yet to earn more than three targets in a game this season, so he is very touchdown-dependent. However, he is about as good a bet as anyone to score a touchdown in Week 3. Additionally, Cleveland has allowed at least 8.8 fantasy points to the opposing team's starting tight end in each game this season. If you are struggling with poor play at tight end, Waller could provide streaming value this week.

Sep 25, 2026 2:41 PM EST

Darren Waller Showing Great Red Zone Chemistry with Bryce Young

Carolina Panthers tight end Darren Waller has shown a strong connection with Bryce Young in his first two games with the Panthers, making an immediate impact after joining the team in August. He didn't play in the preseason, but when the games started to count, he became a prime option for Carolina in the red zone. Waller had a short touchdown called back due to a penalty in Week 1, but he found the end zone twice in Week 2. The 34-year-old caught all five of his targets for 61 yards in his two games and will continue to be a go-to option in the red zone due to his ability to win contested catches. He only played 35% of the team's snaps in Week 1 and 44% of the snaps in Week 2, so there is also the potential for more growth in other areas of the field as he settles into the team's offense. Waller is definitely a tight end on the rise and is a pickup to consider in all formats if you need tight end help. This week, he and the Panthers visit the Browns in Cleveland.

Sep 24, 2026 5:10 AM EST

Darren Waller Has Played His Way onto 12-Team Rosters

Carolina Panthers tight end Darren Waller made the most of limited work Sunday, catching all three of his targets for 33 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-3 win over Atlanta. The touchdowns will get the attention, but the role still needs some context. Waller played 29 offensive snaps, or 44%, while Tommy Tremble and Mitchell Evans both played more. That was still a step up from Week 1, when Waller logged 24 snaps and had a touchdown wiped out by penalty. Carolina clearly has a use for him near the goal line, and this is not new territory. Waller scored six times on only 24 catches for Miami last season. The volume may stay frustrating, but tight end is thin enough that those scoring chances matter. RotoBaller's Week 3 waiver coverage has him as an add in 12-team leagues, with one column calling him a must-add at that depth. He is worth picking up now, but managers should expect some low-target weeks along the way.

Sep 22, 2026 7:13 AM EST

Darren Waller a Boom-or-Bust Tight End Option Vs. Atlanta

Carolina Panthers tight end Darren Waller caught both of his targets for 28 receiving yards in last Sunday's 59-37 loss to the Chicago Bears. The 34-year-old did have a one-yard touchdown called back on a penalty. Waller signed a one-year, $1.3 million contract with the Panthers during training camp and did not play a preseason game. He will look to build chemistry with quarterback Bryce Young as he continues to learn Carolina's offense. The veteran TE is a boom-or-bust option in fantasy as he rotated with Tommy Tremble and Mitchell Evans throughout Week 1. Waller logged 24 snaps compared to Tremble's 34 and Evans' 27. Waller is touchdown-dependent and is an option in very deep leagues, and is RotoBaller's TE32 in the latest Week 2 rankings.

Sep 18, 2026 7:47 PM EST

Darren Waller Active for Week 1 Season Opener

Carolina Panthers tight end Darren Waller is officially active for his debut with the Panthers in the Week 1 season opener on Sunday against the Chicago Bears, according to Darin Gantt of the team's official website. With Waller active, Ja'Tavion Sanders is the odd man out as a healthy inactive to begin the 2026 season. Waller said earlier this week that he was practicing as if he was going to play against the Bears, and that turns out to be the case. However, the 34-year-old veteran will most likely be on a snap count as the Panthers continue to ease him into their offense after signing him in training camp. The Panthers also have Tommy Tremble, Mitchell Evans, and Feleipe Franks active to help carry the workload at tight end on Sunday against Chicago. Waller certainly has the most fantasy football appeal of any tight end on Carolina's roster for his red-zone prowess, but durability is a major concern, and he should be left out of starting lineups in Week 1, even in two-TE leagues.

Sep 13, 2026 8:35 AM EST