The Raiders may only have to live without Brock Bowers for one game.
Las Vegas tight end Brock Bowers had knee meniscus trim surgery Tuesday in Dallas with Dr. Daniel Cooper, and the early signs point toward a quick comeback. According to Adam Schefter, the Raiders believe there’s a realistic chance Bowers misses just the season opener against the Miami Dolphins and is back in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Schefter reported Saturday that the team will monitor how Bowers feels this week, but a return next week is “within the realm of possibility.”
That lines up with what head coach Klint Kubiak has been saying publicly. Kubiak told reporters Wednesday that the Raiders were expecting to have everyone ready for Sunday, and he sounded even more encouraged in his Friday press conference.
“I was optimistic earlier that [Brock would be able to go - he's not],” Kubiak said as part of his opening statement. “We'll get him back soon.”
He added, “It all happened pretty quick, I don’t remember exactly what day,” Kubiak added. “But he got it cleaned up and we’ll get him back soon.”
“We’ll hope to get him back as soon as possible.”
If Bowers does come back in Week 2, it would be a major boost for an offense that will need Michael Mayer and Connor Heyward to carry more of the load while he’s out.
Bowers, the No. 13 pick in the 2024 NFL draft, made an immediate impact as a rookie with 112 catches for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns. He followed that with 64 catches, 680 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games last season, even while dealing with an injury, and earned his second Pro Bowl selection.
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