By the end of the season, the Las Vegas Raiders are struggling to maintain their health. In Week 16 against the Kansas City Chiefs, the squad was missing tight end Michael Mayer, a rookie selected in the second round, and it appears he may be gone for some time.
Zach Gentry, a tight end, has been added to the Raiders’ active roster, as of December 27, the team stated.
Given that Gentry signed, there was conjecture that Mayer, who is currently sidelined by a toe ailment, would be done for the season.
Gentry made his NFL debut in 2019 after the Pittsburgh Steelers selected him in the fifth round. He played for the Steelers for four seasons before signing a 2023 contract to play for the Cincinnati Bengals. Before being plucked by the Raiders, he spent the entire season on the practice squad. Gentry is a huge tight end who excels in the blocking game and is 6-foot-8.
He won’t be able to take Mayer’s place in the passing game as he just has 39 receptions for 303 yards in his career. Nevertheless, if the Raiders need him to play big snaps in the remaining two games of the regular season, he should be an improvement as a block.
The Raiders’ prospects of making the playoffs are beginning to look more likely after their victory over the Chiefs. But in the closing minutes, they might be without two important offensive players. Though he hasn’t been placed on injured reserve yet, Michael Mayer wasn’t there for the Raiders’ December 27 practice. There’s a strong possibility he won’t play against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17 because he was absent from the Chiefs game.
Reversing course Josh Jacobs was not training with the squad and was also out against the Chiefs. He also missed the Los Angeles Chargers game in Week 15 due to a quad injury. Since the Raiders haven’t placed him on injured reserve yet, it’s likely that they believe he can play again, but it’s unclear if he will
