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Raiders' Bowers Expected to Miss 'Game or Two' After Meniscus Surgery
Confirmed
In Short: Raiders tight end Brock Bowers is set to miss one to two games following a meniscus trim, according to reports.
The Raiders received a setback as All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers is expected to miss "a game or two" after undergoing a meniscus trim, according to league sources and reports from 4for4 and A to Z Sports. Bowers, who got "banged up a little in camp," was diagnosed with the injury last week and underwent the procedure in Dallas with Dr. Daniel Cooper.
Bowers' absence will be a significant blow to the Raiders, who were hoping to take a step forward with new head coach Klint Kubiak. The Pro Bowl tight end, who has made 32 starts with the team, including 12 in 2025, will be a major loss for the team. Michael Mayer, a second-round pick in 2023, will step in as Bowers' replacement, though his ability to immediately fill the void remains uncertain.
Bowers' initial timetable points toward a relatively short absence, with Week 2 availability appearing doubtful and a return in Week 3 representing a reasonable but not guaranteed target. An October return remains only a possibility, not an established timetable. This injury could be worse down the line, according to A to Z Sports, adding to the frustration surrounding the situation.
The Raiders' handling of the situation has also drawn criticism. "What’s really frustrating about this injury is less about Bowers missing time and more about how they handled the situation," noted a report from A to Z Sports. Despite the initial short absence, the uncertainty surrounding Bowers' return could have long-term implications for the team's offensive strategy and depth.
In the meantime, the Raiders will rely on Michael Mayer and other tight ends to fill the void. Mayer and other players like Joshua Palmer, Keon Coleman, and Skyler Bell Shakir will be key contributors in Bowers' absence. However, their ability to step up immediately is questionable, given the several weeks of missed practice.
What's confirmed
- Raiders All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers underwent a meniscus trim Tuesday in Dallas with Dr. Daniel Cooper and now is expected to miss “a game or two”, league sources told @rapsheet and me.
- Bowers got banged up “a little in camp” and the injury was diagnosed last week and surgery scheduled.
What's still developing
- Bowers getting a trim is good for the 2026 Raiders, as he will end up playing the majority of this season.