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

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Tight end Brock Bowers is back to being the nearly unguardable receiver he was two years ago, finding ways to get open on nearly every play during the Las Vegas Raiders’ training camp. Once a rookie record holder for most receiving yards by a tight end in a single season, Bowers missed the start of last season due to an injury and struggled after that, recording only 64 receptions for 680 yards.

However, Bowers is back in practice, showing the same kind of feel for space he displayed in his incredible rookie season.

Meanwhile, tight end Michael Mayer is showing promise and may finally be living up to the expectations of the second-round draft pick the Raiders took out of Notre Dame in 2023. Mayer has produced flashes in his three seasons, with 83 catches for 788 yards and three touchdowns. However, injuries and personal issues have limited his availability, with seven games missed in total.

Steckel, the tight ends coach, is excited about Mayer's progress in training camp, praising his work ethic and versatility. Quarterback Kirk Cousins returned to practice after a skirmish with defensive end Maxx Crosby, but both players appeared to have a moment of reconciliation. Rookie cornerback Jermod McCoy also returned to practice after a torn ACL sidelined him, while defensive end Kwity Paye and guard Caleb Rogers were also back on the field.