Who Should I Start? Tommy Tremble or Michael Mayer

Thursday, August 21, 8:58 PM

Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (back) was activated from the physically unable to perform list on Thursday, according to Darin Gantt of Panthers.com. Gantt writes that the team is hopeful that Tremble will be able to play in Week 1 after undergoing back surgery in May. The 25-year-old is entering his fifth season with the Panthers and has recorded exactly 32 targets and 23 receptions in each of the past two years. Tremble is not a fantasy-relevant tight end, but he's a valuable player to Carolina because of his run-blocking ability. He threatens to vulture snaps and targets away from Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders, who offers far more upside as a receiver.

Thursday, August 7, 3:53 PM

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.