The Las Vegas Raiders have already faced their share of struggles this season, and the latest development involving their top offensive weapon is only adding to the uncertainty. As the team prepares for a critical stretch of games, fresh updates from the coaching staff have raised serious questions about when Brock Bowers will return to the field.͏
Raiders Forced to Be Cautious With Bowers’ Recovery
Brock Bowers’ rookie campaign got off to a promising start, but it quickly took a difficult turn. The tight end suffered a knee injury in the season opener against the New England Patriots after a 38-yard reception near the sideline.
PFSN’s Sebastian Mondaca reported that after the play, Bowers was seen slowly heading toward the medical tent, and he has continued to wear a knee brace for added support since then.
Initially, the Raiders tried to manage the situation by adjusting his practice load and increasing his rest periods. Head coach Pete Carroll told reporters that the team was simply “controlling Bowers’ practice schedule” and ensuring he had “more rest.” Despite those efforts, his condition hasn’t improved enough to get him back on the field.
Bowers missed Week 5 due to the injury, the first game of his NFL career he has been sidelined for. He began last week as a limited participant in practice but was held out of the final two sessions before being officially ruled out. And now, Carroll has offered the clearest sign yet that a quick return isn’t likely.
“Brock is week to week,” Carroll said, according to ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez. That update leaves open the possibility that Bowers could miss more time, including the team’s Week 6 matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
“Brock is week to week.” – #Raiders coach Pete Carroll, on TE Brock Bowers
— Paul Gutierrez (@PaulHGutierrez) October 6, 2025
Further details on the injury have painted a more complicated picture. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Bowers is dealing with a PCL injury and a bone bruise in his knee.
While the injury is not considered severe, doctors have advised that rest is the only path to recovery. Bowers, however, initially attempted to play through it, which affected his performance.
It was evident on the field that the injury had slowed him down. His movement was limited, and his production dipped significantly after a strong Week 1. Given his importance to the offense and the Raiders’ long-term plans, the team has little reason to risk further damage, especially with a disappointing 1-4 record.
Las Vegas will release its first injury report of the week on Wednesday, but for now, the expectation is that Bowers will likely sit out once again as the Raiders prioritize his health over immediate results.