Raiders tight end Brock Bowers to miss second straight game

HENDERSON, Nev. – Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (knee) will miss his second straight game as he was ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans.

Bowers did not practice this week and coach Pete Carroll said the All-Pro wide receiver is “not quite there yet.”

“We’re trying to make sure that once he comes back, he stays back and there’s no setbacks,” Carroll added.

Bowers has been playing with a PCL injury and a bone bruise in his left knee that he suffered in the Raiders’ season-opening win over the New England Patriots, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Doctors said the only way Bowers could recover from his knee injuries was to rest, which he has been unwilling to do, the sources said.

While playing, Bowers said he was unable to play at full speed and create separation to the best of his ability. He totaled 14 catches for 122 yards and 8.7 yards per catch in Weeks 2-4.

He tried to play last week against the Colts, but Carroll said the former Georgia star wasn’t feeling well during walk-throughs and was ruled inactive.

Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly said Bowers’ absence “changes everyone’s job.”

“You lose the premier tight end in the NFL, and it’s a different game,” Kelly said. “…You have to be able to make adjustments when you lose players like that, and you have to move on, because no one feels sorry for you when you have a guy down.

“So it’s just the nature of the game, and we hope Brock gets back here soon. He’s working hard to get back into the rehab process, so we’ll see how that goes.”

Even though Bowers will be sidelined again, the Raiders should have tight end Michael Mayer. Mayer cleared the concussion protocol and was a full participant in practice this week after missing the last two games.

Mayer suffered a concussion during the Week 3 loss to the Washington Commanders. He was in a fencing position after taking a hit to the head while tackling wide receiver Jaylin Lane on a 25-yard punt return.

Mayer said he was “thrilled” to be back on the field. He added that he practices like he’s the team’s premier tight end.

Mayer, a 2023 second-round pick, has six catches for 47 yards this season.

“We’ve always viewed Mike as a starting tight end in this league,” Kelly said. “…We’re excited to have him back and we’ll need him against Tennessee.”

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