This week for the first time since their home opener in week three. Since then he has initially been reported as missing after being reported ill and was eventually taken into the police force .
His absence was described as purely personal and his privacy was respected by the league and team. His head coach was certainly happy to have him back on the team.
“Excited, man. It was nice to see Big Mike again, man,” Antonio Pierce said. “He looked good, had a little tan, so I don’t know where he was, but he was hanging out somewhere good. But he looked good, man. He's in shape, he stayed out here the whole bye week training to get himself back in football shape and take care of the team and the building. And then when we met yesterday, of course everyone was excited, you could hear a lot of knocking. But in the end it’s business as usual, that’s what Mike is all about: business.”
Upon Mayer's return, he spoke to the media after practice and told reporters in attendance that he spent some of his time at home in Cincinnati, but would not elaborate on the reasons why he needed this absence.
He had some wise words to say about his mental and emotional state and how he has recovered and is ready to go.
Mayer: “The number one most important rule is that football is not larger than life. It isn't and never was. …I just needed to figure out a few things. I did that and I'm back on my feet. I feel great. I sleep well. I do whatever I have to do.”
– Tashan Reed (@tashanreed)
Pierce seemed to indicate that Mayer won't need a ramp-up period outside of the bye week the team just came off of, which would mean Mayer does .
Mayer is expected to provide a boost as the number two tight end along with rookie top pick Brock Bowers.
Maybe one day we'll get a full explanation from Michael Mayer about what he's been through over the last few months and why he's not on the team. But it will and must happen on his terms.
