Early reports on Wednesday indicated that Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers was not on the practice field to start the week, and one league insider has confirmed the unfortunate news.
Bowers, who was a Pro Bowler as a rookie in 2024, has been hobbled by a knee injury this season.
It already cost Bowers the Raiders’ Week 5 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, their third straight, and it could keep him sidelined in Week 6 as well.
The Raiders are set to host the Tennessee Titans, who got their first win in Week 5, notching a 22-21 comeback victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Bowers’ potential continued absence would be a significant blow to an already struggling Raiders offense.
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“#Raiders TE Brock Bowers is not out here for practice today,” Silver & Black Sports Network’s Jesse Merrick reported on X. “Pete Carroll said he’s day-to-day with that knee injury.”
According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, Bowers is dealing with a PCL injury and a bone bruise. He also reported that Bowers was uncooperative with plans for his rehabilitation.
“Doctors have said the only way to recover from the knee injuries he suffered on opening day vs. the Patriots is to rest, which Bowers has been unwilling to do,” Schefter posted on X on Oct. 5.
Bowers has 19 receptions for 225 yards this season, putting him on a strikingly similar pace has his standout rookie campaign. Moreover, Carroll suggested that the Raiders are taking a cautious approach with Bowers.
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“Brock is – we’re still kind of day-to-day as we’re going along this one,” Carroll told reporters after Raiders practice on Wednesday. “Trying to make sure that he’s ready to come back and stay back.”
Fortunately for the Raiders, backup tight end Michael Mayer, the No. 35 overall pick of the 2023 NFL draft, cleared concussion protocol and was on the practice field on Wednesday.