- Michael Mayer
- #87
- Team LV
- Pos TE
- Status AActive
-
Three catches Saturday
Mayer caught three of his four targets for 16 yards in Saturday's 27-12 preseason loss to the Cowboys.
Analysis: As a rookie, Mayer -- whom the Raiders took in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft -- recorded a 27-304-2 line on 40 targets in 14 regular-season games. Following his initial campaign as a pro, it looked like the Notre Dame product would be in a position to see a significant uptick in volume in Year 2, but when the Raiders selected fellow tight end Brock Bowers 13th overall this April, that scenario became far less likely. That said, while playing alongside Bowers hampers Mayer's weekly…read more
Published: Mon, Aug 19 at 10:26am by Rotowire.com
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Joined by Bowers in TE room
GM Tom Telesco said Thursday that he excepts Mayer to "take a leap this year" even though the Raiders drafted fellow tight end Brock Bowers at No. 13 overall, Nick Walters of KTNV Las Vegas reports.
Analysis: The Raiders presumably plan to use a lot of multi-TE formations, but the new competition for snaps and targets is nonetheless terrible news for Mayer's fantasy value. He and Bowers were arguably the most productive tight ends in college football over the past half-decade, with Mayer recording 2,099 yards and 18 TDs in three seasons at Notre Dame and Bowers putting up 2,538 and 26, respectively, over three seasons for Georgia. While Mayer is both taller and heavier, Bowers is faster, more agile…read more
Published: Thu, Apr 25 at 9:15pm by Rotowire.com
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Shifts over to IR
Mayer (toe) was placed on injured reserve Saturday.
Analysis: Mayer had already been ruled out for Sunday's finale prior, but the Raiders wanted to open up a roster spot for the final week of the regular season. The rookie tight end was widely lauded as a sure-fire starter in the league, but he ended up splitting time frequently with Austin Hooper the entire campaign and ended up with a 27-304-2 line on the season. The 22-year-old Mayer likely still projects as a clear-cut starter in future seasons, but it's certainly been a frustrating season for fantasy…read more
Published: Sat, Jan 6 at 2:12pm by Rotowire.com
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Ends season with three-game absence
Mayer (toe) has been ruled out for Sunday's season finale against the Broncos, Anthony Galaviz of The Fresno Bee reports.
Analysis: Mayer's rookie season will end with three consecutive absences. Austin Hooper should continue to fill in as Vegas' top tight end against a Denver defense that has struggled to defend the position. Mayer finishes his first NFL campaign with 27 catches on 40 targets for 304 yards and two touchdowns.
Published: Fri, Jan 5 at 2:01pm by Rotowire.com
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Still nursing toe injury
Mayer (toe) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's estimated practice report.
Analysis: The second-round rookie has already missed the Raiders' last two games, and his continued absence from practice doesn't bode well for his chances of suiting up in Sunday's season finale versus the Broncos. While Mayer was sidelined last week, Austin Hooper played 85 percent of the offensive snaps, catching three passes for 28 yards on three targets in a 23-20 loss to the Colts.
Published: Wed, Jan 3 at 2:39pm by Rotowire.com
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Ruled out as expected
Mayer (toe) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Colts, Rachel Gossen of the Raiders' official site reports.
Analysis: This news isn't surprising considering coach Antonio Pierce said earlier Friday that he didn't expect Mayer to be available. The rookie tight end will miss a second consecutive game, leaving Austin Hooper and Zach Gentry as the team's only available options at the position. Mayer will have one more chance to suit up Week 18 against the Broncos before the conclusion of his first NFL campaign.
Published: Fri, Dec 29 at 1:05pm by Rotowire.com
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Expected to remain sidelined Sunday
Coach Antonio Pierce said Friday that Mayer (toe) will more than likely remain out Sunday against the Colts, Vic Tafur of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Mayer missed Monday's win over Kansas City due to a toe injury and hasn't been able to participate in practice leading up to Sunday's game in Indianapolis. The rookie tight end's status won't be confirmed until Friday's injury report, but it looks like Austin Hooper and Zach Gentry will be Vegas' only healthy tight ends against the Colts.
Published: Fri, Dec 29 at 9:04am by Rotowire.com
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Idle for walkthrough session
Mayer (toe) was listed as a non-participant for Thursday's walk-through practice.
Analysis: The Raiders have held walkthroughs for the first two Week 17 practice sessions, and Mayer has been estimated as a non-participant on both occasions. He'll have an opportunity Friday to get in some on-field work, but another absence would put him on track to miss a second straight game Sunday at Indianapolis. If Mayer is sidelined, Austin Hooper would likely be in store for a three-down role as the Raiders' starting tight end.
Published: Thu, Dec 28 at 1:12pm by Rotowire.com
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Listed as non-participant
The Raiders listed Mayer (toe) as a non-participant on Wednesday's estimated practice report.
Analysis: The team merely held a walkthrough Wednesday after upsetting the Chiefs two days earlier. Austin Hooper took on a three-down role in the contest as Las Vegas' top tight end with both Mayer and Jesper Horsted (hamstring) inactive, catching two of three targets for 13 yards while playing 89 percent of snaps. That's not unlike the stat lines Mayer has posted of late, with large snap shares rarely leading to considerable receiving production. The rookie is in danger of missing a second straight…read more
Published: Wed, Dec 27 at 2:40pm by Rotowire.com
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Won't play Monday
Mayer (toe) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Chiefs.
Analysis: Mayer was unable to practice in any capacity Thursday through Saturday and will miss a game for the first time in his career as a result. Austin Hooper is likely to handle the majority of snaps at tight end in the rookie second-round draft pick's absence, while Jesper Horsted could see additional opportunities as well. Mayer's next chance to suit up will be Week 17 against the Colts.
Published: Sat, Dec 23 at 12:30pm by Rotowire.com
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Another DNP on Friday
Mayer (toe) didn't practice Friday.
Analysis: Mayer has been unavailable for each of Vegas' first two practices this week, but he'll have one more chance to practice Saturday before the Raiders release their Week 16 injury report for Monday's game against the Chiefs. The rookie tight end scored his second NFL touchdown in last Thursday's win over the Chargers, but alternatives will be limited for Mayer's fantasy managers if his status is still in doubt heading into Monday's game, though at least there are two additional games scheduled…read more
Published: Fri, Dec 22 at 1:55pm by Rotowire.com
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Doesn't practice Thursday
Mayer didn't practice Thursday due to a toe injury.
Analysis: In the Raiders' 63-21 win over the Chargers last Thursday, Mayer caught four of his five targets for 39 yards and a touchdown. He may have sustained a toe injury at some point along the way, and his absence from practice to begin Week 16 prep now makes his status worth monitoring ahead of Monday's game against the Chiefs. If Mayer ends up sitting out versus Kansas City, Austin Hooper would be the next man up for reps at tight end.
Published: Thu, Dec 21 at 2:23pm by Rotowire.com
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Gets into end zone in win
Mayer brought in four of five targets for 39 yards and a touchdown in the Raiders' 63-21 win over the Chargers on Thursday night.
Analysis: The rookie tight end finished second in receptions and targets on the night, although well behind Davante Adams in both categories. Mayer rounded out his night with the second touchdown catch of his career, an 11-yard grab in the second quarter. Mayer heads into a Week 16 road showdown against the Chiefs on Christmas Day with a pair of four-reception tallies in the last four games.
Published: Thu, Dec 14 at 10:54pm by Rotowire.com
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Targeted twice in loss
Mayer caught one pass for 14 yards on two targets in Sunday's 3-0 loss to the Vikings.
Analysis: Mayer played 51 of a possible 54 offensive snaps for the Raiders on Sunday, but the rookie tight end earned just two targets on 32 pass attempts from quarterback Aidan O'Connell. Nonetheless, Mayer remains the clear TE1 in Las Vegas ahead of a Thursday Night Football matchup against the Chargers in Week 15.
Published: Mon, Dec 11 at 2:00pm by Rotowire.com
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Finishes third in targets
Mayer caught two of four targets for 27 yards in Sunday's 31-17 loss to Kansas City.
Analysis: Mayer tied slot receiver Hunter Renfrow for third in team targets Sunday with each player recording four apiece. The rookie tight end has seen his role increase over the Raiders' last three games by averaging 4.7 targets while catching his first touchdown over that span. Mayer will look to continue developing in a starting role when Las Vegas returns from its bye to face the Vikings on Dec. 10.
Published: Sun, Nov 26 at 8:30pm by Rotowire.com
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Bumps up production Sunday
Mayer secured four of five targets for 46 yards in the Raiders' 20-13 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday.
Analysis: The rookie tight end teamed up with first-year teammate Aidan O'Connell to tie for third on Las Vegas in receptions and targets while posting his second-highest catch and yardage tallies of his young career. Mayer has multiple receptions in all three games of O'Connell's current starting stint, and he could fill a solid role again in a Week 12 home matchup against a Chiefs defense that has done a very good job of limiting wide-receiver production.
Published: Sun, Nov 19 at 4:26pm by Rotowire.com
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Catches first TD of career
Mayer caught three of five targets for 19 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 16-12 win over the Jets.
Analysis: Mayer appeared to be having another quiet game while sitting at two catches for 12 yards to begin the fourth quarter. That was before the 22-year-old hauled in the game's lone touchdown on a short reception in the final period to secure victory for the Raiders. The second-round rookie still finished below 20 receiving yards for the fourth straight week despite scoring his first touchdown on the year, but that score could generate some looks from managers in deeper formats on waivers this week.…read more
Published: Sun, Nov 12 at 9:55pm by Rotowire.com
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Production remains low
Mayer caught both of his targets for 11 yards in Sunday's 30-6 win over the Giants.
Analysis: Josh Jacobs (26-98-2) and the Raiders' ground game were more than enough to make quick work of the reeling Giants, resulting in another low-usage game for Mayer. The rookie tight end continued to start over veteran Austin Hooper after the Raiders cleaned house this past week, but the latter's presence continues to eat into what little fantasy value Mayer has generated through nine weeks so far. Perhaps Las Vegas' new coaching staff will look to develop the 22-year-old with more targets in the…read more
Published: Sun, Nov 5 at 8:07pm by Rotowire.com
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One catch in Week 8 loss
Mayer caught one of two targets for 19 yards in Monday's 26-14 loss to the Lions.
Analysis: Mayer was one of four players that tied for second on the team in receiving yards behind Josh Jacobs' 27, as Jimmy Garoppolo (back) threw for only 126 yards in his return from a one-game absence. Fellow tight end Austin Hooper was among those four players, but Mayer has 133 receiving yards to Hooper's 49 in Garoppolo's last three starts. The rookie tight end let out some anger over Vegas' poor offensive performance with a huge hit on special teams, accounting for Mayer's first career tackle.…read more
Published: Mon, Oct 30 at 9:10pm by Rotowire.com
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Earns four targets in loss
Mayer caught two passes for 13 yards on four targets in Sunday's 30-12 loss to the Bears.
Analysis: He once again played ahead of Austin Hooper, as the rookie tight end out-snapped the eight-year veteran 46 to 22, but Mayer's volume was disappointing while wide receivers Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers saw a combined 25 targets from quarterbacks Brian Hoyer and Aidan O'Connell. Mayer will look to take better advantage of his recently expanded role against the Lions in Week 8, and he would likely benefit from the potential return of Jimmy Garoppolo (back) under center.
Published: Mon, Oct 23 at 7:37am by Rotowire.com
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Leads LV with 75 yards
Mayer brought in five of his six targets for 75 yards in Sunday's 21-17 win over the Patriots.
Analysis: Mayer followed up his career-high 39 receiving yards from Week 5 by nearly doubling that mark in the win over New England. Part of the rookie's increased usage came as a response to the opposition focusing on star wideout Davante Adams (2-29-0) on Sunday, which opened up room for Mayer to operate in the middle of the field. The 2023 second-round pick has garnered nine targets over his last two games after totaling two through the first four games of the season. Mayer is still on the lower end…read more
Published: Sun, Oct 15 at 8:12pm by Rotowire.com
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Season-high 39 yards Monday
Mayer had two receptions (on three targets) for 39 yards in Monday's 17-13 win over the Packers.
Analysis: Mayer entered Monday's contest with just one catch for two yards on two targets across four games, so this was actually a significant step forward for the rookie as he adjusts to the pro level. Teammate Austin Hooper also had two catches in the win but generated just 11 yards with his limited opportunities. Las Vegas' timeshare has nullified any marginal value either tight end would have created as traditional starters. Mayer will look to build off his two-catch game as the Raiders stay put to…read more
Published: Mon, Oct 9 at 10:15pm by Rotowire.com
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Notches two-point conversion on SNF
Mayer was on the receiving end of a two-point conversion in Sunday's 23-18 loss to the Steelers, but he otherwise didn't record an official reception.
Analysis: Mayer's only target resulted in quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo's (concussion) first of three interceptions, and the rookie was out-snapped, 55-34, by fellow tight end Austin Hooper, who also was held without a catch. Mayer has hauled in just one pass for two yards through the first three games of his NFL career.
Published: Mon, Sep 25 at 10:28am by Rotowire.com
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First career reception in loss
Mayer caught his only target for two yards in Sunday's 38-10 loss to the Bills.
Analysis: Mayer's first NFL reception came on the final play of the first half Sunday, but he failed to earn another target throughout the remainder of the contest, while fellow tight end Austin Hooper caught two passes for 20 yards. The TE duo has yet to find the end zone through the Raiders' first two games, but red-zone looks could be available against the Steelers in Week 3 if Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers are unable to clear the league's concussion protocol.
Published: Mon, Sep 18 at 10:35am by Rotowire.com
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Runs nine routes in debut
Mayer was not targeted in Sunday's 17-16 win over the Broncos.
Analysis: Mayer was on the field for 29 of the Raiders' 59 offensive snaps in his NFL debut, but he was held without a target on nine routes run, and he was called for a holding penalty on a Josh Jacobs carry in the third quarter. Fellow tight end Austin Hooper caught his only target for 20 yards, and the timeshare at the position figures to continue against the Bills in Week 2, limiting Mayer's fantasy appeal.
Published: Mon, Sep 11 at 9:03am by Rotowire.com
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Tacks on two more catches
Mayer recorded two receptions on two targets for 20 yards in Saturday's 31-16 loss to the Cowboys.
Analysis: Mayer participated in his second consecutive preseason contest and saw run into the early second quarter. He showed rapport with Aidan O'Connell on a 13-yard connection, his longest gain of the exhibition schedule. It's possible that veteran Austin Hooper plays ahead of Mayer to start the regular season, but the rookie should have a significant role in the offense.
Published: Sat, Aug 26 at 9:44pm by Rotowire.com
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One catch in pro debut
Mayer secured one of two targets for three yards in the Raiders' 34-17 preseason win over the Rams.
Analysis: The rookie second-round pick was making his pro debut Saturday night after sitting out Las Vegas' preseason opener. Mayer has reportedly had a good training camp and will have a chance to ease into the rigors of the tight end position at the NFL level by playing alongside accomplished veteran Austin Hooper, a fellow offseason arrival.
Published: Sat, Aug 19 at 10:17pm by Rotowire.com
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Unavailable Sunday
Mayer isn't in uniform for Sunday's preseason opener against the 49ers, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: A rookie second-round pick, Mayer has flashed during training camp and is line to take over as the Raiders' top tight end, a vacancy created by Darren Waller's move to the Giants this offseason. The Notre Dame product's next chance to make his professional debut will arrive Saturday against the Rams.
Published: Sun, Aug 13 at 12:41pm by Rotowire.com
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Looks good at practice
Mayer stood out while making his fair share of catches during Monday's practice, according to Levi Edwards of the Raiders' official site.
Analysis: Per Paul Gutierrez of ESPN, Mayer still needs to improve on his blocking, but the 2023 second-rounder's pass-catching ability figures to lead to a role in the Raiders' offense from the get-go this season. With the team having traded Darren Waller to the Giants in March, there are TE snaps and targets available for both Mayer and free-agent addition Austin Hooper. While a timeshare figures to be in play early on, it's quite plausible that the rookie's fantasy utility increases as the campaign…read more
Published: Tue, Aug 1 at 3:18pm by Rotowire.com
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