MichaelMayer

News: 15 hours agoMayer (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's contest against the Broncos.

Spin: Mayer hasn't been able to practice since he sustained an ankle injury Week 12 against the Browns, and while he'll be absent for a second consecutive contest Sunday, coach Pete Carroll expressed optimism that the third-year pro will be able to return Week 15 at Philadelphia on Sunday, Dec. 14, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN.com. With Mayer sidelined again, Ian Thomas and Carter Runyon will take on the TE reps that don't go to top option Brock Bowers.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Mayer is entering his third NFL season. The 2023 second-round pick didn't make much noise as a rookie (27-304-2 receiving line in 14 games) and was limited by the presence of target hog Brock Bowers, as well as some time away from the team (personal reasons) last season. Bowers actually played a pretty healthy share of the snaps (63%, including 74% from Week 14 on) last season, but he was targeted more than four times in only one of 11 games, which also marked his only game over 6.1 fantasy points. The 24-year-old may someday emerge into a fantasy star, but his receiving numbers will be severely limited as long as he's playing alongside Bowers. He should only be rostered in dynasty.