Brock Bowers returns to form at Raiders camp as Michael Mayer shows progress

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Brock Bowers is back to resembling Brock Bowers, finding ways to get open on seemingly every play, appearing in the Raiders' training camp like he could again be one of the NFL's top tight ends.

Michael Mayer is showing he might finally be on track to live up to the expectations of a second-round draft pick in 2023 out of Notre Dame.

They could potentially be as good as any pair of tight ends in the league, their different abilities complementing each other.

“It's a great tandem to have on the field,” Las Vegas tight ends coach Luke Steckel said. “I use this word a lot that they're both versatile. I don't think Mike gets enough credit as a receiver, and I don't think Brock gets enough credit as a blocker. So we can really move them around in a lot of different ways and attack defenses in different ways.”

Bowers put together the greatest rookie season for a tight end in league history after he was drafted 13th overall out of Georgia in 2024. His 1,194 yards receiving broke Hall-of-Famer Mike Ditka's 63-year-old record for a rookie tight end, and Bowers' 112 receptions set the standard for any first-year receiver. He was second to Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels for AP Offensive Rookie of the Year .

But Bowers injured his left knee in last year's season opener at New England and wasn't the same after that. Unable to get separation from opposing defenders, he was limited to 64 receptions for 680 yards, though Bowers scored seven touchdowns.

“Last season was definitely tough, especially first game getting banged up a little bit," Bowers said. "Definitely had to persevere and fight through some things throughout the year. We’ll see how it goes this year.”

He's back, at least in practice, to playing like the nearly unguardable receiver from two years ago.

“Some people were born to play football, and I think he's one of them,” Steckel said. "You could put a blindfold on him and he would find a way to get open. He just has such a great feel for space out there in zone coverage. He's got great release plans versus man-to-man when they come down and press him. But it all starts with the mental aspect. He's an extremely smart player.”

Mayer came to Las Vegas with his own high expectations after the Raiders used a premium draft pick on him. While Mayer has shown flashes in three seasons, he hasn't quite made the impact that often comes with such a selection.

He has 83 catches for 788 yards and three TDs in his career, and availability has been an issue. Mayer has missed seven games due to a variety of injuries and was out an additional six games in 2024 because of personal reasons.

Mayer said he was hopeful about this season, largely because of Steckel's return to his third year in the organization as well as the arrival of coach Klint Kubiak and the offense he is installing.

“I need to know the offense like the back of my hand, and I need to keep my head down and I need to work,” Mayer said. "I know there’s going to be mistakes. I can’t let mistakes ruin the day, I can’t let them ruin the rep, I can’t let them ruin the period. I’ve got to move on, mistakes happen. I’m very, very excited for this season.”

His play in camp indicates Mayer has plenty to be excited about.

Maybe this will be his breakout season.

“I think he’s had the best training camp I’ve seen him have in my short time with him,” Steckel said. "I’m really excited to see what he does this year for himself and for this team.”

Quarterback Kirk Cousins was sharp in his return to practice Monday. He and defensive end Maxx Crosby were held out of team drills on Saturday because of their skirmish in Friday's practice.

Both players appeared to be letting the other hear it during one team drill Monday, but briefly hugged afterward.

Kubiak hasn't announced how he will divide playing time when the Raiders host Arizona on Thursday night in their preseason meeting, but rookie cornerback Jermod McCoy figures to receive his first game action in nearly two years when he played for Tennessee.

Thought to be a first-round talent, a torn ACL dropped McCoy to the fourth in this year's draft.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve really played football,” McCoy said. "So I’m trying to treat this like getting myself back to where I was, and I feel like I’m almost there.”

Defensive end Kwity Paye returned to practice, but did not participate in team periods. Fellow defensive end Keyron Crawford was back, but in a red no-contact jersey. Wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. remained out. All three players are dealing with undisclosed injuries.

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