EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - The New York Giants' tight end, Darren Waller, is potentially facing a lengthy absence as he recovers from a right hamstring injury sustained during Sunday's game against the New York Jets. Waller's injury forced him to exit the game in the first half of the Giants' 13-10 overtime loss.

The Giants, currently standing at 2-6, face Waller's former team, the Las Vegas Raiders, in their upcoming game, marking the first of three consecutive away games on their schedule. Waller's absence will be particularly significant, as he holds the role of their leading receiver, with 36 catches for 384 yards and one touchdown this season.

Waller did not participate in practice on Wednesday; however, he expressed that his condition has slightly improved since the initial injury. Nevertheless, he described the situation as "very frustrating" and "a little bit discouraging," considering his past experience with hamstring injuries. Last year, Waller missed eight games due to a similar issue, which may have contributed to his trade out of Las Vegas during the offseason.

Despite being listed as questionable prior to Sunday's game, Waller's hamstring injury is likely to force him to miss multiple games. When asked about the duration of his absence, Waller responded, "Potentially. The amount of weeks I'm not that sure. But it may take a little bit."

Following the matchup with the Raiders, the Giants have divisional games against the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Football Team. Waller's absence will be deeply felt during this critical stretch.

This recent setback comes at a time when the Giants appeared to be regaining their health. Quarterback Daniel Jones, who missed the past three games due to a neck injury, is expected to return for the game against the Raiders. However, he will be without his primary receiver in Waller.

Left tackle Andrew Thomas, who has been dealing with a hamstring injury, and right tackle Evan Neal, who has been nursing an ankle injury, also have an opportunity to play this week. Both players are showing positive progress, with Thomas not having played since the season opener against the Cowboys.

Jones confirmed that he has been cleared to play this week and expressed confidence in his ability to return from his neck injury. He emphasized that he would remain aggressive on the field while also taking precautions to protect himself.

While Jones exhibits optimism about his recovery, Waller's concerns about his hamstring injury are understandable given his previous experience with similar setbacks. Despite last season's injury being to his left hamstring, Waller recognizes the potential challenges associated with this type of injury. He injured the tendon connecting to his knee on October 22nd, which made him more susceptible to pulling his hamstring during Sunday's game against the Jets.

As he navigates this recovery process, Waller understands the importance of being cautious to avoid further setbacks. Reflecting on his past experience, he mentioned, "The main reason I missed eight games last year was trying to come back and aggravating it two or three times in practice where nobody could really see it. So it was like, 'Where is this guy?' Taking a little more of an approach like saying, why not if it's four weeks, if it's three weeks, whatever it is, use that time efficiently and not try to be a hero and come back. That's really just me stressing and pushing. I have to take care of my body first because that is what the business is."

As Waller's recovery timeline remains uncertain, the Giants will have to rely on their depth at the tight end position and seek alternative options in the passing game to compensate for his absence.