Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer was a savvy waiver-wire pickup heading into Week 2 because star tight end Brock Bowers was questionable to play on Monday night against the Los Angeles Chargers due to a knee injury he picked up in the Week 1 win over the New England Patriots. However, Bowers was inactive in Monday's 20-9 loss and caught five of his eight targets for 38 yards. Meanwhile, Mayer once again took a back seat to Bowers in a Raiders offense that failed to find the end zone all night. The 24-year-old hauled in both of his targets for just nine yards against a stingy and stick Chargers D. The Raiders will continue to use Mayer alongside Bowers, but he's a distant No. 2 in Chip Kelly's offense and should only be rostered in TE-premium leagues. Mayer will not be a realistic fantasy starter going into Week 3 against the Washington Commanders.
Sep 16, 2025 12:45 PM EST
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer could be worth adding ahead of his team's Week 2 Monday night matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, particularly for fantasy managers with Brock Bowers (knee) on their roster. Bowers is officially questionable to play on Monday after leaving Week 1 early due to a knee injury, although Raiders head coach Pete Carroll has said he expects his star tight end to suit up. Mayer logged four catches for 38 yards in Week 1 while sharing the field with Bowers for most of the game. If Bowers is unable to play in Week 2, Mayer could be in line for a significant target increase in a Raiders' offense that logged 34 pass attempts in its first game of the season.
Sep 15, 2025 10:38 AM EST
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer may be due for an elevated workload this Monday night when he faces off against the Los Angeles Chargers. Mayer saw an increased snapshare in Week 1's win over the New England Patriots when teammate Brock Bowers (knee) picked up a knee injury. Bowers was tagged with a DNP on Thursday, and with the Raiders playing on Monday night, it's possible we won't know his definitive status in time for Sunday roster decisions. In the case he can't go, Mayer would slot in as Las Vegas' de facto TE1 and should see a good bit of work in the passing game. If Bowers plays, the Notre Dame product would be difficult to trust, particularly in a difficult matchup. Mayer comes in as RotoBaller's PPR TE39 ahead of Week 2.
Sep 12, 2025 12:19 PM EST
Managers who selected Las Vegas Raiders tight Brock Bowers (knee) in their drafts this year may want to consider the waiver-wire potential of Raiders tight end Michael Mayer, who figures to be the benefactor if Bowers is unable to play Monday night against the Los Angeles Chargers. The third-year pro had a nice showing in Week 1, catching all four of his targets for 38 yards after Bowers exited the game. Bowers told reporters that he wasn't overly concerned about the injury, though the Raiders' final injury report will not be released until Saturday and there is the possibility he is not ruled out until Monday, after most games have been played. In the event Bowers is looking unlikely to play, there will be a rush to add Mayer, who has been a capable receiving option in his own right.
Sep 11, 2025 9:50 AM EST
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer recorded four catches for 38 yards in his team's 20-13 Week 1 victory over the New England Patriots. The third-year tight end played 40 out of 63 (63.5%) of his team's offensive plays. Additionally, fellow Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (knee) left the game in the fourth quarter with a knee injury, although Bowers told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero that he expects to be fine. If Bowers were to miss time, Mayer would be a clear waiver-wire target for fantasy managers. Even with Bowers healthy, it appears that Mayer will have a role in the Raiders' offense, although it's unlikely to lead to consistent fantasy relevance.
Sep 8, 2025 10:42 AM EST
ESPN's Ryan McFadden reports that Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer has been a standout in training camp. The Notre Dame product flashed during his rookie campaign, but the addition of Brock Bowers in 2024 was a detriment to Mayer's playing time. While Bowers and new quarterback Geno Smith have quickly gotten on the same page, Mayer has had an excellent camp of his own. The 24-year-old has been an offensive standout since OTAs, per McFadden, who also notes offensive coordinator Chip Kelly has "big plans" for him in 2025. There are undoubtedly targets up for grabs in the Raiders' offense, and Mayer may play a nice role for them. However, that translating to fantasy isn't a guarantee. Bowers and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers are worth rostering for now, but Mayer will have to impress in preseason action before he's worthy of fantasy managers' attention in drafts.
Aug 7, 2025 3:53 PM EST
The Las Vegas Review-Journal's Vincent Bonsignore reports that the Las Vegas Raiders are not interested in trading tight end Michael Mayer. It comes after reports that the Miami Dolphins were interested in acquiring Mayer from the Raiders after trading tight end Jonnu Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday. Mayer is scheduled to make $1.6 million in 2025 and $2 million in 2026 and took a back seat in 2024 to rookie Brock Bowers, catching just 21 of 32 targets for 156 yards and no touchdowns in 11 games (eight starts) in his second year in the NFL. The 23-year-old Notre Dame product caught 27 passes for 304 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie. There have been reports suggesting he'll have a bigger role in 2025 in two-tight end sets in new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly's scheme, but as long as Bowers is healthy, he'll be the second fiddle at the position if he stays in Vegas.
Jun 30, 2025 9:19 PM EST
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer is expected to get more involved in the offense this upcoming season. Mayer looked nonexistent with Brock Bowers ahead of him on the depth chart last season. He finished the season with 21 receptions and 156 receiving yards in 11 games. After failing to trade Mayer, the Raiders have decided to get the former second-round pick more involved in the offense. Mayer has reportedly looked good in camp and has built a solid relationship with new head coach Pete Carroll. It's worth noting that Bowers is going to remain the unquestioned No. 1 tight end and primary passing option. Mayer showed good potential during his time in college, so hopefully the Raiders are able to find a way to get him involved.
Jun 13, 2025 6:15 PM EST
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer is in tremendous shape and has been a standout performer at OTAs this offseason, according to team reporter Vincent Bonsignore. Mayer was a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft after a fantastic career at Notre Dame, but he has not had the impact many hoped for when he began his professional career. Injuries, poor quarterback play, and the team's selection of Brock Bowers in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft have led to little production through his first two seasons. Overall, the 25-year-old has hauled in 48 receptions for 460 yards and two touchdowns. A potential Year 3 improvement would be great for the Raiders' 12-personnel groupings, but it would be a surprise if Mayer ends up on the fantasy football radar if Bowers stays healthy. The ideal outcome for Mayer's fantasy value is a trade to another team.
Jun 4, 2025 3:17 PM EST
According to league sources, the Las Vegas Raiders have had discussions with teams who have interest in tight end Michael Mayer. The team's second-round selection in 2023, Mayer hasn't had the type of impact the Raiders were hoping for, which is why they took Brock Bowers in the first round in 2024. Not only did Bowers become a first-team All-Pro in his rookie season, but Mayer had only 27 catches for 304 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games in his first year in 2023. He missed six games last season due to personal reasons and was barely heard from as Bowers excelled. It makes more sense for Vegas to trade Mayer for assets, and since he'll be on a team-friendly deal for two more years, there should be several teams that are interested. Mayer was completely off the fantasy radar in 2024, but he could resurface as a sleeper if he's traded to a team that utilizes him much more as a pass-catcher.
Mar 1, 2025 12:17 PM EST
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer caught all four of his targets for 21 yards during Sunday's Week 18 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Mayer has been routinely out-produced by Brock Bowers this season, but that didn't stop him from playing 81.3 percent of the offensive snaps in the Raiders' regular-season finale. That represented his second-highest rate of the season, and it showed that the Raiders can have success operating out of two-tight end sets. Mayer finished his second pro season with 21 catches and 156 yards through 10 games, remaining a solid short-yardage outlet for quarterback Aidan O'Connell while Bowers did more work downfield and after the catch. There's no question that Bowers remains the No. 1 tight end in Las Vegas (and all of fantasy football), but Mayer could sneak onto the end of the fantasy radar in deeper PPR leagues next season.
Jan 6, 2025 10:15 AM EST
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer has decent upside, but has been stuck as the primary backup to Brock Bowers this season. That being said, Mayer hasn't done much this season outside of a seven-catch performance in Week 14. Since then, Mayer has two receptions for 25 yards over the last three games. The 23-year-old has played over 60 percent of the offensive snaps over the last five games. However, he's unlikely to be a viable fantasy option with Bowers healthy. Mayer might be worth holding in dynasty leagues, but isn't someone worth streaming for the Week 18 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Jan 5, 2025 10:13 AM EST
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer brought in 7-of-9 targets for 68 yards in Sunday's 28-13 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The second-year TE easily set all-new season highs with his performance on Sunday, while his reception total and yardage output were good enough to lead the Raiders' offense in the defeat. Mayer was second on the team in targets only to wide receiver Jakobi Meyers. It's intriguing usage for the 23-year-old, as he out-produced rookie sensation Brock Bowers for the first time this season. Additionally, it's hard to predict this kind of usage moving forward, particularly with it looking like quarterback Desmond Ridder taking over after Aidan O'Connell (knee) was carted off in an air cast. For now, fantasy managers would be better off taking a wait-and-see approach with Mayer. He'll get the Atlanta Falcons next Sunday but likely won't be on the fantasy radar.
Dec 8, 2024 9:26 PM EST
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (personal) is active for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins. He had been listed as questionable despite being a full participant in practice this week. A personal matter had sidelined Mayer since Week 4, but he was activated from injured reserve on Saturday and is officially suiting up in Week 11. He'll presumably operate as the direct backup to Brock Bowers. Mayer remains off the fantasy radar for the time being.
Nov 17, 2024 11:44 AM EST
The Las Vegas Raiders activated tight end Michael Mayer (personal) from the Non-Football Illness list on Saturday before the Week 11 contest on Sunday on the road against the Miami Dolphins. It's a big lift for the Raiders offensively, but Mayer is a poor TE2 streamer given the team's offensive struggles this year under quarterback Gardner Minshew II. Mayer has also taken a clear back seat to impressive rookie tight end Brock Bowers in 2024. The 23-year-old was listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report, so he still isn't a lock to suit up on Sunday, although being activated from the NFI list is a good sign for his availability this weekend. Mayer hasn't played since the Week 3 loss to the Carolina Panthers and hasn't even reached 2.0 half-PPR points in his three games played in 2024. He only has four catches on seven targets for 21 yards this year.
Nov 16, 2024 12:34 PM EST
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (personal) has a chance at making his return to the field against the Miami Dolphins in Week 11. Mayer hasn't played since September due to a personal matter. However, it sounds like he's on the verge of returning as Mayer is listed as questionable for this weekend. He's hauled in four of his seven targets for 21 yards through three games this season. Mayer is unlikely to have much fantasy value with Brock Bowers emerging as the primary option at tight end. Mayer figures to have a minor role behind Bowers once he's cleared to play.
Nov 15, 2024 4:47 PM EST
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (personal) has returned to practice this week and could be available to play this Sunday in Week 11 against the Miami Dolphins. The Raiders are coming off their bye week, but Mayer has missed the team's last six games while tending to personal matters. If Mayer is cleared to play this week, he may not see the field as much as he normally would as he works himself back into shape. The 23-year-old tight end wasn't a realistic option for starting fantasy lineups before leaving the team, though, with rookie Brock Bowers serving as Vegas' top pass-catching TE. Before leaving the team, Mayer had only four receptions on seven targets for 21 yards and no touchdowns in his three games played. He should remain on the waiver wire in most leagues unless Bowers misses time with an injury.
Nov 12, 2024 5:37 PM EST
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (personal) has been sidelined with a non-football-related issue for over a month, but head coach Antonio Pierce said that the 23-year-old is "getting close" to making his return. Mayer played a depth role through three games at the start of the season, catching just four passes for 21 yards and zero touchdowns. He remains buried behind rookie Brock Bowers and should be avoided in all fantasy leagues, even if he returns as soon as he's eligible in Week 11.
Oct 31, 2024 12:57 AM EST
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (personal) was placed on the reserve/non-football injury and illness list according to Field Yates of ESPN. Mayer has not suited up since Week 3 due to a personal matter and is now expected to miss more time. The Notre Dame product enjoyed a productive rookie campaign as he caught 27 passes for 304 yards and two scores. While Mayer remains away from the team, fantasy managers should expect rookie Brock Bowers to continue to see the vast majority of snaps at the position and remain a high-end option for the foreseeable future.
Oct 11, 2024 4:53 PM EST
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (personal) missed practice all week and has been ruled out for the Week 5 contest on the road in Denver against the division-rival Broncos. Mayer left the team to tend to a personal matter last week, so this will be his second straight absence. It's bad timing for the 23-year-old, too, with receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) also missing a second straight game. He has taken a clear back seat to impressive rookie Brock Bowers at the position through his first three games in 2024, with Mayer catching only four of his seven targets for 21 yards and no touchdowns. Bowers disappointed last week with Adams and Mayer out, but he's a weekly TE1 play for fantasy managers. With Mayer out again this week, Harrison Bryant should have a bigger role once again behind Bowers. Bryant isn't worth starting in fantasy.
Oct 4, 2024 6:16 PM EST
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