Brock Bowers burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2024, setting the NFL rookie record for most receptions in a season with 112. However, his sophomore season has gotten off to a rocky start due to his knee injury in the week 1 game against the New England Patriots.
Here’s all the latest info on the Las Vegas Raiders’ star tight end’s knee injury.
Will Brock Bowers Play in Week 7?
“There’s a big bye coming up,” said Raiders head coach Pete Carroll when asked about Bowers’ status. “I’m optimistic always, but that doesn’t mean we’re getting him back . . . you look the long haul of it, it might be best to guarantee that he’s full speed and back.”
With a bye week upcoming in week 8, holding Bowers out for another game makes sense, but it is not yet known whether he will be able to return in week 9.
“Doctors have said the only way for Bowers to recover from the knee injuries is to rest, which he has been unwilling to do,” sources told ESPN Raiders reporter Ryan McFadden.
It is classified as a PCL injury and a bone bruise on his knee. It first occurred in week 1, but Bowers played through the injury, ultimately slowing the recovery process.
Bowers ranks fifth in PFSN’s 2025 tight end impact rankings with a score of 82.1 (B-). In four games, Bowers has caught 19 of 27 passes for 225 yards, averaging 11.8 yards per reception.
In his absence, Michael Mayer will continue to take on a larger role in the Las Vegas offense, serving as a security blanket for quarterback Geno Smith. The former second-round pick out of Notre Dame has also missed time this season, as he missed two games due to a concussion. However, he returned in week six, playing 92% of the snaps and catching five of seven targets for 50 yards and a touchdown.
Those playing fantasy football have noted that Mayer could remain relevant in Bowers’ absence. “Mayer is a great one-week fill-in add with Bowers unlikely to play again in week 7,” said DraftKings Network.
4️⃣ Michael Mayer
Mayer was excellent last week stepping in for Brock Bowers:
5 catches | 7 targets
50 yards
1 TD
16.0 FPTSMayer is a great one-week fill-in add with Bowers unlikely to play again in Week 7. pic.twitter.com/f9a3Am8JvO
— DraftKings Network (@DKNetwork) October 14, 2025
Mayer ranks as the No. 15 tight end in PFSN’s 2025 tight end impact rankings, with a score of 78.0 (C+).
The Raiders are 2-4 through week 6 and will need Bowers back if they hope to make a run at the postseason in 2025. But making sure he is healthy first will likely be priority number one. With Mayer as a capable replacement, the Raiders can make it by for a few weeks at tight end while Bowers gets back to full strength.
Bowers’ practice level during the bye week will be worth monitoring. Once he begins to appear in limited and full fashions on the practice report, it will be clearer that he is nearing a return to the field. In the meantime, Mayer and the Raiders will look to stay afloat until Bowers can return for a potential late-season playoff push.
