Bowers (knee) ruled out despite Kubiak's optimism

Key Points:

• Raiders tight end Michael Mayer signed a deal with $30 million guaranteed and a $15 million average annual value, making him the third highest-paid tight end; he is expected to start in Week 1 against the Dolphins due to Brock Bowers' knee injury.
• Brock Bowers has been dealing with knee issues since the start of the 2025 season and is currently sidelined, with doubts about his return timeline and full effectiveness once back; he may miss a couple of games but could return by Week 3 against the Saints.
• Despite the injury concerns, Bowers remains a top fantasy tight end candidate, having posted strong rookie season stats with 112 receptions for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns in 2024; Raiders coach Klint Kubiak plans to feature him heavily in a more fantasy-friendly offense.
• The Raiders' receiving corps is unsettled, with Bowers expected to be the primary target amid a group of deep threats like Tre Tucker and Jalen Nailor, increasing Bowers' value as a potential overall TE1 in fantasy drafts.
• Mayer serves as a solid mid-range TE2 option during Bowers' absence, but Bowers' status as a fantasy top tight end remains intact once healthy, given his versatility and the team's offensive focus on him.