Who Should I Start? Michael Mayer or Ja'Tavion Sanders

Wednesday, October 15, 12:01 PM

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer could see a starter's workload once again in Week 7 if fellow tight end Brock Bowers (knee) remains sidelined due to a knee injury. With Bowers out in Week 6, Mayer recorded five catches for 50 yards and a touchdown on seven targets against the Tennessee Titans. The Raiders have a more difficult matchup in Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Still, Mayer profiles as a low-end starting option at the tight end position for fantasy managers while Bowers is out.

Thursday, October 16, 3:45 PM

Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (ankle) was upgraded from a limited participant in Wednesday's practice to a full participant on Thursday, suggesting that he's on the right track to return for a Week 7 tilt against the New York Jets. As long as the 22-year-old doesn't suffer a setback with his high-ankle sprain in Friday's practice, he'll have a good shot to put an end to his three-game absence. If Sanders is back out on the field this Sunday at MetLife Stadium, he should operate as Carolina's top pass-catching tight end, moving Tommy Tremble back into a blocking role. The Jets have allowed a league-high six touchdowns to the TE position this year, too, which would put Sanders immediately onto the TE2 streaming radar if he makes his return. Before his ankle injury, Sanders caught 11 of 14 targets for 92 yards and no touchdowns in three games.