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Raiders starters played 14 snaps in Saturday's preseason opener against the Vikings, and both TEs spent most of that on the field. Michael Mayer played 12 of 14 snaps, ran six routes and drew two targets, according to Pro Football Focus. Rookie Brock Bowers played 11 snaps, ran five routes and drew two targets. And the Raiders moved him around. PFF counted six snaps in a "traditional" TE position, two at outside receiver, one in the slot, and two in the backfield. That aligns with how Raiders coaches have discussed using the first-round pick -- as well as the stated plan to deploy two TEs often.
No one -- or at least barely anyone -- has questioned Bowers' talent. The biggest questions for his 2024 outlook have been the Raiders QBs and his playing time.
We'll see about those QBs, but no one's expecting either Aidan O'Connell or Gardner Minshew to boost any Raiders pass catcher.
The immediate playing time is encouraging, though -- for both TEs.
It's worth noting that Vegas went without WR Davante Adams for this contest. But his return would almost certainly just knock WR Tre Tucker down to the clear No. 3 spot -- and likely present little to no impact for the TEs.
Bowers remains the top fantasy option among Raiders TEs. It's clear the team wants to get him in position to make plays right away. That plus Bowers' talent give him top-12 potential.
Mayer could be a sneaky fantasy contributor as well. He's not likely to climb out of TE2 territory as long as Bowers, Adams, and WR Jakobi Meyers are around. But Mayer's immediate role makes him a good bet to easily outscore his current TE36 ADP.
He's stashable in deep TE-premium leagues.
As I mentioned, a fully available crew of Raiders pass catchers likely pushes Tre Tucker into a small role. Running two TEs more than most teams would basically guarantee a lower-than-usual rate of three WRs.
If you were counting on significant fantasy impact from Tucker this season, though, then you either play in an impressively deep format or must be related to him.
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