Bowers out again: Raiders TE misses second game with injury

Brock Bowers Misses Another Game with Knee Injury

Raiders tight end Brock Bowers will not be on the field for a second consecutive game due to a knee injury. He will miss Sunday’s matchup against the Titans. Bowers did not participate in this week’s practices, and head coach Pete Carroll reported that the player is not yet fully recovered.

We are trying to make sure that, once he returns, he stays on the field and there are no setbacks.

Pete Carroll

According to sources, Bowers played with a medial collateral ligament injury and a bone bruise in his left knee, suffered in the Raiders’ season-opening victory against the Patriots. Doctors indicated that the only way to recover from the injuries was to rest, something Bowers had not done. During the games, Bowers admitted that he couldn’t play at his top speed or generate the desired separation. In weeks 2 to 4, he accumulated 14 receptions for 122 yards, averaging 8.7 yards per reception. He tried to play last week against the Colts, but Carroll noted that he didn’t feel well during the rehearsals and was ruled out. Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly explained that Bowers’ absence “changes everyone’s job.”

You lose the best tight end in the NFL, and the game strategy changes… You have to adapt 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

Kelly added that they expect Bowers to return soon, as he is working hard on his rehabilitation. Despite Bowers’ absence, tight end Michael Mayer is expected to be available. Mayer cleared concussion protocol and fully participated in practice this week, after missing the previous two games. Mayer suffered a concussion in the Week 3 loss against the Commanders. Mayer expressed his enthusiasm to return to the field and that he has been training as if he were the starting tight end. Mayer, drafted in the second round in 2023, has recorded six receptions for 47 yards so far this season.

We’ve always viewed Mike as a starting tight end in this league… We’re excited to have him back, and we’ll need him against Tennessee.

Chip Kelly