After an incredible rookie season, in which tight end Brock Bowers burst on the scene for the Las Vegas Raiders, the All-Pro hasn’t looked the same in his sophomore season. The primary reason for Bowers’ disappointing start to the season has been his knee injury.
Although Bowers has been able to avoid not being on the field for the Raiders, the up-and-coming tight end has had a limited impact while playing through his knee injury. Through the first four games of the season, Bowers has caught 19 passes for 225 receiving yards and zero trips to the end zone.
Heading into Week 5’s matchup against Daniel Jones and the Indianapolis Colts, Bowers continues to nurse the knee injury, which could potentially keep him sidelined for Sunday’s game on the road at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Brock Bowers Injury Update for Raiders in Week 5
According to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports, Bowers appears to be trending in the right direction to suit up and play against the Colts in Week 5 despite missing Thursday’s practice and potentially not practicing on Friday.
Obviously, this is an excellent sign for the second-year pro and the Raiders, as he brings a different dynamic to the offense, even if he’s not yet at 100 percent health.
The Raiders desperately need to get back on track in Week 5, as they missed an opportunity to get to .500 last week against the Chicago Bears. Veteran kicker Daniel Carlson had a chance to seal the deal in the closing seconds of last week’s game, but the attempt at a game-winning field goal was blocked, resulting in a win for Caleb Williams and company.
Things won’t get any easier in Week 5 on the road, as the Colts have proven to be a force to be reckoned with. Jones has resurrected his career in Indianapolis, as he has the offense firing on all cylinders, along with star running back Jonathan Taylor having a red-hot start to the season.
The Raiders are currently the underdog (+6.5) as of Friday, according to ESPN.
Pete Carroll Reveals Confidence Level in Raiders QB Geno Smith
GettyHead coach Pete Carroll of the Las Vegas Raiders talks with Geno Smith #7.
One of the most significant issues for the Raiders this season has been the quarterback play, despite clearly having an upgrade under center in veteran newcomer Geno Smith. New Raiders head coach Pete Carroll helped push for the team to trade for his former Seattle Seahawks quarterback, but Smith has struggled, throwing a league-high seven interceptions over the first four games of the season while sporting a record of 1-3.
With Smith throwing interceptions left and right over the first month of the season, there have been questions about whether the Raiders should make a change and start Kenny Pickett instead. Carroll shared his thoughts on his starting quarterback earlier this week.
“I’m not worried about his confidence,” Carroll said during the team’s media availability. “He knows, and he has to re-evaluate the timing of the choice. He was too comfortable in the throw; he ripped it—he ripped both those throws—feeling like the ball was going to get there. What I’m concerned about is making sure we’re practicing him so he understands some of those throws aren’t there.
“He hits everything in practice, and he’s ridiculously accurate, and has been the whole time we’ve been together. He’s really confident, and he thought he could get it, but game speed was a little different. That’s where he grows—the game speed is a little different than the practice we can create.”
Carroll will stick by Smith moving forward, but if the turnovers continue to pile up, it’s safe to say that stance might change to salvage the veteran head coach’s first season in Las Vegas.
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