In early October, the Las Vegas Raiders faced a setback as tight end Michael Mayer was placed on the reserve list due to a non-football related illness. Despite his absence, rookie Brock Bowers has stepped up as the team's primary tight end. Mayer's return to practice offers hope for the Raiders' offense, which is undergoing changes under head coach Antonio Pierce.

Pierce emphasized the need for a balanced offensive identity, focusing on physicality and adaptability in their game strategy as they navigate injuries and lineup changes.