Raiders’ Brock Bowers Out 1-2 Games After Knee Surgery

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers is expected to miss the start of the National Football League season after undergoing a knee procedure in Dallas. Unnamed league sources reported that the All-Pro player had a meniscus trim on Tuesday, putting him out for two upcoming matches. The surgery temporarily removes one of the team’s top offensive targets ahead of their opening game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

Surgical Procedure and Recovery

Bowers sustained the knee injury during training camp, with unnamed sources indicating that the issue was officially diagnosed last week. Surgery was subsequently scheduled with surgeon Dr. Daniel Cooper in Dallas. Unnamed sources told sports networks that the recovery period will force Bowers to miss “a game or two.”

First-year Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak addressed reporters on Wednesday prior to news of the operation becoming public. When asked directly about Bowers, Kubiak stated, “We’re expecting to have all of our guys ready for Sunday.”

Previous Injury History

The operation follows ongoing issues with Bowers’ left knee. During the previous season, he suffered a posterior cruciate ligament injury and a bone bruise in his left knee during the team’s opening victory against the New England Patriots. He missed three games following that injury before returning to action.

Bowers eventually played in 12 games during that campaign, starting eight of them, before being placed on injured reserve for the final two weeks of the year. Despite the missed time, he finished the season with 64 receptions for 680 yards and seven touchdowns, earning a selection to the Pro Bowl.

Roster Changes and Upcoming Schedule

Bowers had participated fully in off-season practices and training camp after recovering from the previous year’s injuries, forming a primary passing option for veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. His absence will shift primary tight end duties to Michael Mayer, who recorded 35 receptions for 328 yards and one touchdown across 12 games in the previous season.

Following Sunday’s home match against the Miami Dolphins, the Raiders are scheduled to play on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers in their second game of the season.

Background

Brock Bowers was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the 13th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. Since entering the league, he has established himself as one of the team’s primary receiving threats, earning two Pro Bowl selections in his first two professional seasons.