The NFL season is in full swing. As happens every year, injuries are rearing their ugly heads. As fantasy football managers prepare to set Week 5 lineups, staying informed on the latest injury news is essential. Brock Bowers missed some practice this week due to a lingering knee injury. If Bowers doesn’t play, who are some replacement options for fantasy managers?
Is Brock Bowers Playing Week 5?
Update:Â Bowers is dealing with a PCL injury. According to Jay Glazer, he will not play this week.
Bowers initially sustained his knee injury during the Raiders’ Week 1 victory over New England, and the issue has lingered throughout the season. The injury has clearly affected his performance, as he recorded 103 receiving yards in the season opener but has struggled to reach 50 yards in any subsequent game.
This week’s practice pattern has been particularly concerning for his availability. Bowers was limited during Wednesday’s session before missing Thursday and Friday practices. This regression in participation represents a troubling development for his Week 5 status.
When speaking to reporters on Friday, the sophomore tight end was candid about his limitations. “It’s painful, sore, just annoying and frustrating because I want to be back to full strength and going full speed, being able to separate from guys,” Bowers said. “I feel like I can’t really do that to the best of my abilities right now.”
Initially, Friday reports suggested that Bowers was expected to play against the Colts despite receiving a questionable designation. Head coach Pete Carroll expressed confidence that his star tight end would be available for Sunday’s contest.
However, the situation worsened on Saturday when NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Bowers is trending toward not playing against Indianapolis. According to Rapoport, while Carroll had expressed optimism about Bowers suiting up, “his knee didn’t respond” well during the week.
This would mark the first missed game of Bowers’ young NFL career. The timing is particularly challenging for Las Vegas, as fellow tight end Michael Mayer has also been ruled out due to a concussion. The Raiders have elevated Albert Okwuegbunam from the practice squad to provide depth.
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Fantasy managers should prepare alternative options at tight end, as Bowers appears unlikely to play based on the latest reports. His knee issue has been persistent and seems to worsen rather than improve as the week progresses.
The Raiders’ decision to rest Bowers completely on Thursday and Friday suggests they prioritize his long-term health over forcing him to play through pain in a must-win situation for the struggling 1-3 team.
Bowers Replacement Options: Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars
I guess that, one month ago, I told you that three tight ends will enter Week 5 with a 6+ catch streak, Brenton Strange’s name wouldn’t have been on your short list.
Or maybe your long list.
Mark Andrews and Jake Ferguson are the other names on that list, two less surprising players. Trevor Lawrence is struggling across the board when not targeting Strange, so why change the one thing that’s not broken?
- Strange: 19 catches on 23 targets for 182 yards
- Brian Thomas Jr.: 12 catches on 32 targets for 164 yards
- Travis Hunter: 13 catches on 21 targets for 118 yards
The Chiefs looked better last week and own the 10th-highest blitz rate up to this point. I’m not asking for Strange to step outside of himself: get us 5-8 targets and let the chips fall where they may. He’s not going to swing your matchup, but I’d be surprised if he doesn’t at least keep you competitive at the position.
— Kyle Soppe, PFSN Fantasy Analyst
Bowers Replacement Options: Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints
This one is hazardous. Taysom Hill is set to make his season debut after missing the first month recovering from his torn ACL (among other ligaments).
We don’t know how involved Hill will be in his first game of the season. What we know is he’s a jack-of-all-trades type gadget player who can catch a couple of passes, rush for 20-30 yards, and complete a few passes. Not to mention the goal line role he could resume.
The desperate fantasy manager looking for a high ceiling can go with Hill. Just acknowledge the floor is pretty much zero.
Bowers Replacement Options: Mason Taylor, New York Jets
The New York Jets’ rookie tight end has seen his role increase lately. He’s seen six and seven targets in his last two games. Last week, Taylor caught five passes for 65 yards.
The Dallas Cowboys have the league’s worst pass defense. Everyone smashes against the Cowboys. However, they also have a great offense. That makes their games likely to shoot out.
If the Cowboys can force the Jets to call pass plays, Justin Fields may have to crack 30 attempts. The Jets have no clear second option in the passing game behind Garrett Wilson. It could very well be Taylor. He’s worth a spot start in a favorable matchup.
