Arguably, the lone brilliant offensive spot for the Las Vegas Raiders to date this season has been rookie tight finish Brock Bowers. Coincidentally, many questioned why the Raiders drafted him as they took Michael Mayer within the second spherical of final yr’s draft, and he confirmed plenty of potential down the stretch of final season.
Mayer appeared within the first three video games of the season however garnered simply seven complete targets. Since then, he has been away from the crew for private causes, however the actual particulars have but to be revealed. There have been some rumblings that it might have been because of his diminished position throughout the Raiders offense, however nothing has been confirmed.
Regardless of the reasoning, it’s now trying as if the Raiders could have Mayer again on the sector quickly as head coach Antonio Pierce revealed that he believes they’re getting near a return for the second-year tight finish, by way of ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez:
#Raiders coach Antonio Pierce, on TE Michael Mayer (Reserve/Non-Soccer Sickness listing) eligible to come back again after the #Bengals sport: “I believe we’re getting shut. I do assume we’re getting shut.”
— Paul Gutierrez (@PGutierrezESPN) October 30, 2024
Even with Bowers dominating, getting Mayer again on the sector would give the Raiders offense a lift because the crew is in dire want of extra move catchers. Mayer isn’t the explosive possibility that Bowers is, however he’s extraordinarily dependable, sure-handed and might at the least give the protection one other participant they should account for.
Precisely why Mayer has been away from the Raiders is anybody’s guess, however having him again on the sector is a constructive for the Raiders in each method. The offense is struggling. There isn’t any method round it. Mayer coming again gained’t repair the entire issues on that finish, however it’s going to at the least present one other weapon for Gardner Minshew or whoever else is at quarterback.
Raiders rookie tight finish Brock Bowers making historical past
Whereas Michael Mayer has been away from the crew, Brock Bowers has been busy carrying the Raiders offense and even making NFL historical past alongside the way in which.
Bowers surpassed Denver Broncos legend Keith Jackson for probably the most receptions by a rookie tight finish in his first seven profession video games. Thus far, via eight video games, Bowers leads all tight ends with 52 receptions for 535 yards, although he hasn’t had a lot luck at getting ultimately zone with only one landing.
