NFL: Arizona Cardinals at Las Vegas Raiders
Aug 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) prepares to enter the field against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Las Vegas Raiders were hit with a curveball before the start of the season when it was discovered that tight end Brock Bowers had a knee injury.
Bowers ended up needing a meniscus trim and the initial expectation was that it would sideline him for one or two games.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter provided yet another update on Bowers on Sunday morning and he revealed that Bowers could realistically play in Week 2.
“After undergoing a meniscus trim Tuesday, the Raiders believe there’s a realistic chance Brock Bowers will miss only one game and return for Week 2 at the Los Angeles Chargers, per sources. Team will see how he’s feeling this week, but a potential return next week is within the realm of possibility,” Schefter reported.
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Bowers began having knee issues during training camp, but this issue wasn’t diagnosed until recently.
Head coach Klint Kubiak said before news of Bowers knee procedure came down that all Raiders would play in Week 1, but he later discovered that would not be the case.
“I was optimistic earlier that Brock would be able to go — he’s not,” Kubiak said after the news broke. “We’ll get him back soon.”
Injury concerns for Brock Bowers
NFL: Las Vegas Raiders OTA
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) speaks during a news conference during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
This is the second season in a row that Bowers has dealt with knee issues.
In 2025, Bowers missed a handful of games due to knee problems, which halted his ascension to superstar status in his second season.
This latest injury only adds to the concern for his long-term outlook and the Raiders can only hope this is the last time Bowers will be on the shelf.
How Raiders will replace Bowers in Week 1
NFL: Arizona Cardinals at Las Vegas Raiders
Aug 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) carries the ball against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
When he’s on the field, Bowers is a dynamic weapon and the Raiders’ best pass-catcher by a mile. There is simply no replacing him.
That said, the Raiders will have to try, and they will do so by increasing the role of No. 2 tight end, Michael Mayer, who inked a contract extension on Saturday.
The Raiders will also need more snaps out of fellow backup Ian Thomas, and veteran Chris Myarick has been called up from the practice squad to fill out the depth chart.
Along with those three, the Raiders are going to need more out of their receivers, Tre Tucker, Jack Bech and Jalen Nailor, among others.