The Raiders got a small boost on Friday, but Brock Bowers’ status for Week 2 is still very much up in the air.
Las Vegas is headed to SoFi Stadium to take on the Chargers on Sunday after opening the 2026 NFL season with a 27-13 win over the Dolphins. That victory came without one of the team’s biggest offensive pieces, since Bowers sat out the opener following a knee procedure.
Bowers was back on the practice field Friday for the first time since having a meniscus trim on September 8. He was spotted during the portion of practice open to reporters, which marked a welcome sign for a Raiders team hoping to get him back quickly.
Even so, the week has not exactly pointed toward a full return. Bowers did not practice Wednesday or Thursday, and the Raiders’ official Week 2 injury report listed him as a non-participant on both days, with the knee identified as the issue.
Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak said TE Brock Bowers (knee) is doubtful for Sunday's game.
- Anthony Galaviz (@agalaviz_TheBee) September 18, 2026
Bowers had been labeled day-to-day after the procedure, and Kubiak said Wednesday that he was not ready to practice at that point, though the coach still held out hope that the tight end could get back onto the field during the week.
That caution makes sense for a player who matters so much to the offense. Bowers caught 64 passes for 680 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games last season, giving Las Vegas a major threat in the passing game.
In his absence against Miami, Michael Mayer took on a bigger role and finished with six catches for 32 yards. Ashton Jeanty also chipped in through the air, catching six passes for 45 yards and scoring two receiving touchdowns in the win.
The Raiders still haven’t confirmed whether Bowers will play against Los Angeles, and Friday’s practice work should give the clearest clue yet about his chances of making his regular-season debut. Until the final injury designation comes down, he remains one of the biggest questions hanging over Las Vegas’ Week 2 prep.
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