Raiders lose ‘promising’ WR to injury amid Saints clash

Coach Klink Kubiak’s Las Vegas Raiders made the most of Brock Bowers’ season debut in Week 3, beating the Saints 35-27 in New Orleans. Bowers piled up over 100 yards on a day when Kubiak’s team lost a promising Dez Bryant-endorsed receiver, Jack Bech, to a serious injury.

Bech got an injury update from ESPN’s Ian Rapoport with an eye on the future.

“Raiders promising young WR Jack Bech, who was ruled out of the game, suffered a broken forearm, sources say. He’s headed for IR, but should return later this season.”

Bech had five catches for 48 yards and a touchdown this season, showing plenty of grit and winning Kubiak’s favor. His injury was jarring to say the least, but his teammates picked him up in a big-time Raiders win.

Bowers had 10 catches for 116 yards on a week when he was hailed as the next great tight end by Rob Gronkowski. Tre Tucker, Michael Mayer, and Ashton Jeanty all chipped in for the Raiders passing game as Bech did not record a catch before his tough luck injury.

Meanwhile, Kirk Cousins trade rumors did little to affect the veteran quarterback’s recent hot streak. The former Vikings and Michigan State star complete 22-of-33 passes for 248 yards and three touchdowns. He kept pace with Saints QB Tyler Shough, who had 255 yards, four touchdowns and one interception on the day.

The Raiders are looking like a legitimate AFC West contender at 3-0 heading into October 4’s home game against a resurgent Patrick Mahomes-led Kansas City Chiefs squad. Bech will have to watch from here on out, but the Raiders have the depth to remain strong in his stead.