Brock Bowers’ Mysterious Absence: Could This Sideline the Raiders’ Season Again?

You know that moment when a key player limps off the field, and suddenly the whole dynamic shifts? That’s where we’re at with Brock Bowers right now. The tight end—yes, the dude who was lighting it up as a rookie—has been nursing a knee injury that just won’t quit. He toughed it out for a bit, pushing through Weeks 2, 3, and 4, but it’s clear his body’s waving the white flag. Even Coach Pete Carroll’s hinting that Bowers isn’t quite in game shape yet, making his absence against the Titans a near certainty. Stepping into the breach: Michael Mayer, fresh off concussion protocol but good to go, ready to fill those cleats for the Raiders. It’s a lot to unpack when a star player’s sidelined, and, honestly, it makes you wonder how the team plans to adjust on Sunday. LEARN MORE

Tight end Brock Bowers is set to miss his second straight game with a knee injury.

Bowers was injured in Week 1, but played through the injury in the next three games. His production was down from his rookie season and reports have indicated that doctors believe Bowers needs rest in order to return to 100 percent.

On Friday, head coach Pete Carroll didn’t officially rule Bowers out at his Friday press conference. He did say that Bowers “isn’t quite ready” to go and that he will likely miss Sunday’s game against the Titans as a result.

Michael Mayer is expected to start at tight end for the Raiders. Mayer missed the last two games with a concussion, but has been cleared to play.