HENDERSON, Nev. – Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (knee) is questionable for Monday night’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Coach Pete Carroll expects the team’s star receiver to be available. Bowers practiced on Saturday after being absent on Thursday and Friday. He has been wearing a brace over a sleeve on his left knee for the last two days.
Bowers said he felt good during practice. When asked if he felt more optimistic about his availability, Bowers replied: “I don’t know, it’s hard to say. I’m just going to keep training and see how I feel the rest of the day, tomorrow and the next day. So we’ll see.” Bowers injured his knee during the second half of last week’s victory over the New England Patriots. Carroll said Bowers wanted to return to the game, but the training staff decided to hold him out. Bowers’ availability is significant for the Raiders’ offense. As a rookie, he led all tight ends in receiving yards (1,194). In his first game playing alongside starting quarterback Geno Smith, Bowers accumulated five receptions for 103 yards. He had two receptions of at least 30 yards. In a scenario where Bowers cannot play, the Raiders are satisfied with the overall depth at the tight end position. Michael Mayer, a second-round pick in 2023, had four receptions for 38 yards last week. The former Notre Dame standout had a strong training camp and said this is the best he has felt from a mental and emotional standpoint. Mayer missed seven games last year for personal reasons. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly was impressed with Mayer’s performance in Week 1. He said Mayer did a good job catching the ball underneath, running after the reception, and blocking at the point of attack.He practiced very well. Today he did really well.
Pete Carroll
In other injury news, starting linebacker Elandon Roberts (elbow) will play after fully participating on Saturday. Meanwhile, Jackson Powers-Johnson has been ruled out after suffering a concussion in Thursday’s practice. Alex Cappa is expected to start at right guard.I think [there aren’t] many people [who] have the luxury of having two talented players like that. And I’ll also include Ian [Thomas] in that,” Kelly said. “…Having three tight ends who can play and have shown they can play in the NFL is a very important thing.
Chip Kelly
