Raiders Make Brock Bowers Announcement on Monday

His absence was easily explained, however, as Bowers was finishing up his undergraduate degree at the University of Georgia. Any speculation about him being unhappy was quickly kicked to the curb once this was reported.

Bowers was back in Las Vegas on Monday, which spurred the team to make an announcement about the All-Pro's return to practice.

"Brock is back," the team wrote.

With veteran Geno Smith now under center for the Raiders, Bowers may be able to put together an even more impressive sophomore campaign. It is tough to imagine a player having more impact than the rookie did last season, but he will have competent quarterback play to help him reach new heights.

If the wide receiver corps can grow up fast around Jakobi Meyers, it may exacerbate his impact as well, because opponents would not be able to focus as much on the star tight end. Bowers has three more years left on his rookie contract, but if his first year is any indication, Las Vegas will lock him into a long-term deal as soon as they can.