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Raiders Share Updated Brock Bowers Injury Timeline

Originally posted on LAFB Network | By Ryan Anderson | Last updated Oct 14, 2025 12:30 PM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders continue to monitor tight end Brock Bowers’ recovery from a lingering knee injury, and head coach Pete Carroll offered the most detailed update yet during his Monday press conference.

Bowers, who suffered a PCL sprain in Week 1 against the New England Patriots, has battled through discomfort for much of the season. He played through the injury for several weeks before sitting out in Week 5 and Week 6. According to Carroll, the Raiders are weighing whether to bring him back for Sunday’s divisional clash with the Kansas City Chiefs or wait until after the team’s Week 8 bye.

“I’m hopeful, but we’re looking after him,” Carroll said. “There’s a big bye coming up and all that kinda stuff. An extra week, a couple of weeks you’d get, before you’d have to come back. I’m optimistic always, but that doesn’t mean we’re getting him back. You look at the long haul of it, it might be best to just guarantee that he’s full speed and back. So we’ll see how we handle that.”

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Setback and Recovery

Raiders Share Updated Brock Bowers Injury Timeline 1 Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

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Bowers initially exited the Week 1 win over New England after recording five catches for 108 yards, but returned the following week against the Chargers. While he continued to produce—logging 38, 38, and 46 yards over the next three games—he clearly wasn’t himself. Team sources indicated that Bowers’ grade 1 PCL sprain was likely upgraded to a grade 2 after a setback in Week 4, a minor tear that typically requires several weeks of rest.

The injury mirrors that of Rams receiver Puka Nacua, who sustained a similar issue last season and missed five games before returning to form. That comparison offers the Raiders some optimism that Bowers could return shortly after the bye with minimal long-term concern.

Looking Ahead

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that Bowers is likely to remain sidelined through Week 8, targeting a Week 9 return. In his absence, third-year tight end Michael Mayer has emerged as a reliable target, posting five receptions for 50 yards and a touchdown in Sunday’s win over the Titans.

For now, Las Vegas appears intent on playing the long game. Given Bowers’ breakout rookie season—112 catches, 1,194 yards, and five touchdowns—the Raiders will do everything possible to ensure their young star is fully healthy before returning to action.

This article first appeared on LAFB Network and was syndicated with permission.

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