Tight end has been out for personal reasons
Michael Mayer is back with the Las Vegas Raiders.
The second-year tight end was designated for return by the team Tuesday as he has returned to practice.
The Raiders put the 2023 second-round pick on the reserve/non-football injury list October 11 due to a personal reason. Prior to that, Mayer has missed two weeks of practices and games. He missed the past six games. Recently, Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said he was hopeful Mayer getting close to returning.
Mayer had four catches for 21 yards in the first three games of the season. He had 27 catches for304 yards as a rookie in 2023. The Raiders traded up to take Mayer with the 35th pick of the draft.
The Raiders’ planned to use Mayer often in a double tight end set with rookie sensation Brock Bowers and that is still possible this season.
It is not known when Mayer will play. The Raiders play at the Miami Dolphins on Sunday with a 10 a.m. PT kickoff. Whether he plays this week or not, Mayer is clearly getting close and that is excellent news.