Dec 21, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) stands in the huddle with offensive tackle Stone Forsythe (70), running back Ashton Jeanty (2), wide receiver Jack Bech (18) and tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Raiders' Offense Must Make This Adjustment Without Bowers

Originally posted on Las Vegas Raiders on SI
By Michael Canelo | Last updated Dec 26, 2025 11:30 AM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders offense will look different once again heading into the last two games of the season. In Week 17, the Raiders will play host to the New York Giants of the NFC East.

This game is going to get a lot of views, not because these two teams are good but because of how bad they have been all season and the fact that the loser will have the No. 1 overall pick going into the final game of the season in Week 18. It is going to look different for the Silver and Black.

The Raiders offense will be without its top weapon in star tight end Brock Bowers. Bowers was placed on Injury Reserve earlier this week.

Bowers is the Raiders' top target and the best one this team has had this season. Bowers has been dealing with a knee injury for most of the season. And it all started in week one of the regular season. Bowers was also just named to the AFC Pro Bowl team. That is a huge accomplishment and one that is not easy for any player to do in his first two seasons.

Raiders Offense without Bowers

The Raiders will now turn to backup tight end Michael Mayer to get the starts in place of Bowers. Mayer is a good tight end all around, and now he will be used more. He could get open, block, and do a lot of similar things like Bowers. I

t will also be an adjustment for quarterback Geno Smith once again. He will be without Bowers once again. This will give guys who have not gotten a lot of playing time in the past. The Raiders will go to their core, looking to end their losing streak.

The Raiders got the run game going in their last game. That is something they will look to do once again this week and in the last game. Rookie running back Ashton Jeanty's role will increase. He will likely get more carries and show what he can do once again.

The run game needs to be good for the offense can play balanced. The run game also opens up the passing game. We saw the recipe for success last week, and the Raiders will look to do that once again.

It is going to be good to see what Raiders coach Greg Olson does with the offense this week. With Bowers gone, who will be his go-to player?

This article first appeared on Las Vegas Raiders on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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