The Las Vegas Raiders have gotten off to a rough start this season, despite optimism surrounding the team entering the year. The Raiders hired a new head coach, Pete Carroll, and acquired quarterback Geno Smith through a trade.
There was reason to be optimistic about a team that had struggled for many years prior. Unfortunately, things have not gone as planned for the Raiders, who are 1-4 this season, and injuries to a few key players may be a contributing factor.
What Is Brock Bowers’ Status for Week 6?
The Raiders missed the threat of Bowers on the field in Week 5. He is their best pass-catcher, but he has been a shell of himself this season due to a PCL injury and bone bruise that have impacted his play. That injury occurred in Week 1, but Bowers chose to play through it in Weeks 2-4.
According to Underdog NFL, Carroll said Bowers is “week to week” and seems to be a true question mark for their Week 6 game. Hearing “week to week” instead of “day to day” is not ideal, so Bowers missing another game is undoubtedly a possibility.
Bowers missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday, which is a bad sign for his availability this week. He didn’t practice on Friday as well, and is almost certain to miss Week 6.
Once again, #Raiders TE Brock Bowers (knee) is not practicing.
— Ryan McFadden (@ryanmcfadden_) October 10, 2025
When the Raiders star is healthy, there is no better tight end in football. In his rookie season last year, he caught 112 passes for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns. He put up those numbers with below-average quarterback play, showing the type of talent he has.
Even at less than full strength, Bowers has a TE Impact Score of 82.3. That score is good enough for sixth-best in the NFL. Once he gets back to full strength, that will only improve a rather underwhelming Raiders offense so far this season.
Bowers’ Fantasy Outlook
If Bowers is healthy, he’s likely going to be in your starting lineup. Even though he hasn’t looked like his dominant self so far this season, Bowers at 70% strength is still better than any streaming option you can find on the waiver wire (unless you’re in a very shallow league).
It’s worth noting that Las Vegas goes on bye in Week 8, making it very possible that the team opts to slow-play this situation through October with a player they view as a centerpiece to their growth.
Michael Mayer is likely to return this week (concussion), and the Raiders did open the season in something of a split. You’re playing Bowers once he returns to action, but he has to earn back his status as a Tier 1 tight end.
If Bowers is out, Mayer becomes an interesting streaming option. However, it’s worth noting that the Tennessee Titans has limited opposing tight ends to just 4.2 fantasy points per game, which is the sixth-lowest average in the league.