Week 4 of the NFL season is in the books and injuries are starting to open up opportunities for several players available on the waiver wire heading into next week. New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers suffered a torn ACL on Sunday, effectively ending his season just one week after rookie QB Jaxson Dart took over the starting job under center. While all of the Giants pass catchers will benefit from the newly available targets, which break down which player will be the best pickup for the remainder of the season. We’ll also reveal two other players who could be in line for more work heading into Week 5.
Darius Slayton — WR, NY Giants
This isn’t the first time that Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton has been thrust into a bigger role due to injury. New York has arguably one of the weakest wide receiver rooms in the NFL but the 28-year-old could be in position to be the biggest benefactor following Nabers’ season-ending injury.
Slayton is the best deep threat and most crisp route runner on the roster. While he’s never topped the 1,000-yard mark in his seven-year NFL career, he’s compiled 700 yards or more four times. After limited usage in Week 1, Slayton has135 yards and has caught 9 of his 11 targets so far this season. With his target share set to rise, Slayton makes for a strong addition for any team in need of wide receiver help.
Zavier Scott — RB, Minnesota Vikings
In PPR leagues, Vikings backup running back Zavier Scott is worth a look over the next few weeks. Scott took over the role as Minnesota’s primary pass catcher out of the backfield in Dublin against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He hauled in 6-of-8 targets for 43 yards and a touchdown. A converted wide receiver, Scott ran routes from the backfield, slot, and out wide while also receiving two carries in the loss. He’s worth a pickup for teams who are looking for a streaming option or some running back depth until Jones returns from injury.
Darren Waller — TE, Miami Dolphins
Waller came out of retirement to rejoin the Miami Dolphins this season. After being inactive for the first three games of the season, the 33-year-old made an instant impact versus the New York Jets on Monday Night Football. Waller scored two touchdowns and should continue to get more opportunities in Mike McDaniel’s offense after top target Tyreek Hill had to be carted off of the field. Waller had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons for the Raiders in 2019 and 2020 and was still productive (552 yards in 12 games) during his last stint with the NY Giants in 2023.
Isaiah Davis — RB, NY Jets
Braelon Allen had a goal line fumble against the Miami Dolphins and suffered a potential knee injury on a kickoff return, which could open up the door for second-year running back Isaiah Davis. Davis rushed for 174 yards on 5.8 yards per carry last season and could be a potential league winner if the Jets decide to trade starter Breece Hall.
Hall is in the final year of his rookie contract in New York and among the most likely candidates to be dealt at the trade deadline. With the Jets unlikely to contend for an AFC Playoff spot, New York could be incentivized to deal him sooner rather than later, which could open up a long-term role for Davis in what is turning out to be a rebuilding year for the Jets.
