Raiders’ Brock Bowers Injury Takes Alarming Turn Before Week 1
The Las Vegas Raiders will be without star tight end Brock Bowers for at least the season opener after undergoing a meniscus trim on Tuesday in Dallas.
Bowers is expected to miss a game or two, which could put the Raiders without their primary passing game weapon for the first two weeks of the 2026 season.
He suffered the injury last week, which led to him needing surgery. It has been an uphill battle for Bowers with knee issues since last season.
He had played three games while working through a posterior cruciate ligament injury and a bone bruise in his left knee. Following that, he missed three consecutive games while recovering from injuries.
His absence leaves a significant void in the Raiders’ offense as he serves as the anchor to the passing game. In 12 games last season, he had 64 receptions for 680 receiving yards and seven touchdowns that earned him his second straight Pro Bowl selection.
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Las Vegas will turn to backup Michael Mayer to play a huge offensive role. Last season, he recorded 35 receptions for 328 receiving yards and a touchdown in 12 games. Meanwhile, Tre Tucker, Jalen Nailor, and Jack Bech should factor greatly in the passing game.
The Raiders are leaning on former Pro Bowl quarterback Kirk Cousins to lead the charge, which will likely feature a healthy dose of Ashton Jeanty in the running game against the Miami Dolphins in Week 1 action.
The Raiders will play on the road in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
