Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer has rejoined the team after missing time for personal reasons, bringing back a promising young talent to their lineup. Mayer, a second-round draft pick in 2023, showed flashes of potential toward the end of his rookie season. Despite the Raiders selecting another tight end, Brock Bowers, in the first round this year, Mayer was still viewed as an essential part of the team’s offensive plans.
However, Mayer had a limited role early this season, with just seven targets in three games and appearing in 56% of the team’s offensive snaps. He then took a leave of absence, with the team placing him on the non-football illness list on October 11.
Specifics about Mayer’s absence were not disclosed, but head coach Antonio Pierce indicated recently that Mayer was close to a return. Mayer’s return to practice aligns with the Raiders’ Week 11 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, following their bye in Week 10.
Mayer’s return offers a boost to the Raiders’ offense, which has struggled with limited weaponry. Although Bowers has emerged as a standout tight end for the Raiders, Mayer’s presence adds depth, especially after the Raiders traded away wide receiver Davante Adams and dealt with injuries to other key players like Jakobi Meyers.
This week also marks a significant change in the Raiders’ offensive coaching, as offensive coordinator Luke Getsy was replaced by Scott Turner, who will now handle play-calling duties. Running back Alexander Mattison, familiar with Turner from their time together on the Minnesota Vikings, expressed excitement about the change, highlighting Turner’s experience and the potential benefits for the team’s run game.
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