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

Sunday, October 5, 11:35 AM

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (concussion) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 5 contest against the Indianapolis Colts. The 24-year-old, who was listed as questionable, has already been sidelined for nearly two full games and will miss at least one more contest. His absence comes at a tough time for the Raiders, who are also without star tight end Brock Bowers (knee). Vegas will turn to Ian Thomas as its primary tight end this week, but he's not a dependable fantasy option.

Friday, October 3, 1:31 PM

The Carolina Panthers have officially ruled out tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (ankle) for the Week 5 matchup on Sunday against the visiting Miami Dolphins, per The Athletic's Joe Person. Sanders will miss his second straight game after suffering the dreaded high-ankle sprain back in Week 3. High-ankle sprains can keep players out up to four to six weeks, so Sanders could end up missing a third straight contest next week against the Dallas Cowboys. Even before his injury, Sanders wasn't much of an option for fantasy managers in 12-team leagues. With Sanders sidelined in last week's loss to the New England Patriots, Tommy Tremble stepped up for five catches on eight targets for 42 yards and his first touchdown of the year. Tremble is known as more of a blocking TE, though, so expecting more relevant fantasy production might be a mistake. Still, he'll at least be in play as a TE2 streamer this weekend in a good matchup against Miami. Head coach Dave Canales said the hope is that Sanders is ready to go next week.