Bowers misses second game with Raiders due to knee injury

Brock Bowers will miss another game due to injury

Raiders tight end Brock Bowers will not participate in his second consecutive game due to a knee injury, missing Sunday’s matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Bowers didn’t practice this week, and coach Pete Carroll indicated that the All-Pro receiver “is not ready yet”.

We are trying to make sure that once he comes back, he stays back, and there are no setbacks.

Pete Carroll

Sources revealed that Bowers played with a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury and a bone bruise in his left knee, suffered in the Raiders’ victory in the first game of the season against the New England Patriots. Doctors have recommended rest for the recovery of Bowers’ knee injuries, something he has resisted. During his participation, Bowers admitted he couldn’t play at maximum speed or create separation in the best possible way. He accumulated 14 receptions for 122 yards and 8.7 yards per reception between weeks 2 and 4. He tried to play last week against the Colts, but Carroll noted that the former Georgia player didn’t feel well during the rehearsals and was declared inactive. Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly stated that Bowers’ absence “changes everyone’s job.”

You lose the best tight end in the NFL, and the game strategy is different… You have to be able to make adjustments when you lose players like that, and you have to move on, because nobody feels sorry for you when a player is out.

Chip Kelly

Despite Bowers’ absence, tight end Michael Mayer is expected to be available for the Raiders. Mayer cleared concussion protocol and fully participated in practice this week after missing the last two games. Mayer suffered a concussion in the Week 3 loss against the Washington Commanders. He was in a defensive position after receiving a blow to the head while tackling wide receiver Jaylin Lane on a 25-yard punt return. Mayer expressed his “ecstasy” about returning to the field and added that he has been training as if he were the team’s starting tight end. Mayer, a second-round selection in 2023, has accumulated six receptions for 47 yards this season.

We have always considered Mike a starting tight end in this league… We are excited to have him back, and we will need him against Tennessee.

Chip Kelly