Who Should I Start? Michael Mayer or Luke Schoonmaker

Tuesday, September 16, 12:45 PM

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.

Tuesday, September 2, 12:41 AM

Dallas Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker (concussion) was not listed on the team's injury report Monday, which indicates that he has cleared concussion protocol and will play in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Schoonmaker was sidelined for nearly two weeks while recovering, and now, he's back just in time for the season opener. The 26-year-old was productive while backing up Jake Ferguson last season, as he caught 27 passes for 241 yards and one touchdown through 17 games (six starts). Schoonmaker should be left on waivers for now, but he would instantly become a high-end TE2 if Ferguson were to miss any games.