Raiders News
[the_ad id=”105842″]Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers did not practice Thursday after logging a limited session Wednesday. The downgrade raises questions about his availability for Sunday’s game at Indianapolis. Bowers has managed a left knee injury since the season opener against New England. He suffered the injury in Week 1 but has not missed a game. The 22-year-old went through a full practice session on Wednesday before being held out entirely on Thursday.
The Raiders travel to face the Colts on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM ET. Bowers will likely need to practice Friday to avoid a questionable designation for the game.
Head coach Pete Carroll has not indicated whether the absence represents a setback. The team lists the injury as day-to-day. Bowers wore a knee brace in previous weeks while playing through the issue.
His production has declined sharply since the opener. Bowers caught five passes for 103 yards against the Patriots in Week 1. He has not topped 47 yards in any game since. The Georgia product recorded 46 yards against Chicago in Week 4, 38 yards against the Chargers in Week 2, and a similar total against Washington in Week 3.
Bowers has zero touchdowns through four games this season. He caught 112 passes for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie in 2024. Those 112 receptions set an NFL rookie record regardless of position.
The Raiders signed veteran tight end Michael Mayer from Notre Dame. Mayer suffered a concussion against Chicago but returned to limited practice this week. Third-string tight end Ian Thomas handled increased snaps in Week 4 with Mayer sidelined.
Las Vegas enters Week 5 with a 1-3 record after losing to the Bears 25-24. The team has dropped three straight games following the season-opening victory in New England. Quarterback Geno Smith has targeted Bowers consistently but the tight end’s yards per reception have fallen from 20.6 in Week 1 to single digits in recent weeks.
The Colts stand 3-1 and present a tough road test. Indianapolis defeated Jacksonville, Tennessee, and Houston while losing only to Kansas City. The Raiders offense has struggled to generate consistent yardage through the air.
Carroll must decide whether to rest his top receiving weapon or play him at less than full strength. The knee has limited Bowers’ explosiveness and route-running ability. His speed creates mismatches against linebackers and safeties when healthy.
Friday’s practice report will provide clarity on his status. Teams must submit final injury reports 90 minutes before kickoff. The Raiders and Colts play at 1:00 PM ET on Sunday.
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