This was already going to be an important season for Las Vegas Raiders’ fourth-season tight end Michael Mayer.
Now, it has gone up a level and the pressure will be on the 2023 second-round pick from the jump. Raiders’ star tight end Brock Bowers had a knee surgery this week
and he will be out, at ldast, 1-2 games. thus, Mayer is thrust into the starting role.Starting without Bowers on the field is not a new situation for Mayer. He started four games with Bowers out last season) they both missed a game together
due to injury). Mayer had 18 catches on 24 targets in those four games. Expect him to get a solid amount of targets while Bowers is out.
How Mayer performs without Bowers could play a major role in his future. He is a free agent after this season. Mayer, who the Raiders traded up to draft, has had some solid moments, Mayer has failed to produce on a consistent basis yet. He has yet to live up to expectations when he came into the league out of Notre Dame as a much-hyped prospect.
The Raiders and teams around the league will be monituring Mayer during this time with Bowers on the shelf.
If he can produce at a high level with Bowers shelfed, he could make a lot of money next year whether it’s in Las Vegas or elsewhere.
