Brock Bowers has loved a robust begin to the 2024 season, however his fellow Raiders tight finish will probably be absent for an prolonged interval. Michael Mayer was positioned on the reserve/non-football damage checklist Friday, per a team announcement.
As a result of the move, Mayer will be sidelined for at least the next four games. Specifics on his situation are not yet known, but it was announced that a personal matter is the cause for this transaction. The 23-year-old suited up for Vegas’ first three games, but he has been absent ever since.
Viewed as one of the top prospects at his position in the 2023 draft class, Mayer was selected early in the second round. That led to high expectations, and he flashed potential with 304 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 27 receptions during his rookie campaign. Known more for his well-rounder skill set than his pass-catching upside, Mayer was joined this offseason by Bowers. One of the most celebrated rookie tight ends in recent memory, the latter — selected 13th overall in April — has already racked up 28 receptions for 313 yards and one score.
Bowers will continue to be leaned on in the passing game moving forward, especially with Davante Adams absent. A deal sending the All-Professional wideout continues to be negotiated, and Bowers might quickly stand alone as Vergas’ prime goal on offense. Week 6 will see Aidan O’Connell begin at quarterback after Gardner Minshew struggled in Sunday’s loss to the Broncos.
O’Connell will probably be on the helm of a short-handed offense, although, with Adams out of the fold and Mayer set to overlook prolonged interval. Bringing the Notre Dame product again into the fold will give Bowers a notable complement on the TE spot, nevertheless it stays to be seen when that may happen.
