The Las Vegas Raiders‘ tight end Brock Bowers hasn’t been the same since Week 1. Bowers has dealt with a knee issue this season, and while he hasn’t missed any games, the 22-year-old hasn’t looked like his normal self.
In the Week 1 win over the New England Patriots, Bowers recorded over 100 yards receiving. However, since that game, he’s yet to come even close to that mark. In the Week 4 loss to the Chicago Bears, Bowers did record 46 receiving yards, his second-highest tally of the season.
Nonetheless, the Raiders star has yet to find the end zone this season. Amid the concerns over Bowers’ production, head coach Pete Carroll spoke about his tight end during his press conference with the media on October 1.
“We’re still trying to go to him,” Carroll said. “We’re still trying to get the ball to him and use him for all of the great skills that he has. So, nothing’s changed in that regard. I think we’re going to see him better as he gets rid of that brace that he’s wearing in a couple weeks, whenever that happens.
“It’s worked out well to have him playing—he’s been out there and able to practice and prepare, and he’s an incredible asset to our team. But we would love for him to get the ball more.”
Is Raiders’ Brock Bowers Feeling Frustrated?
Although Bowers hasn’t been producing at the level many expected, Raiders quarterback Geno Smith stated that he doesn’t feel any frustration from his teammate when speaking to reporters on September 24.
“I haven’t seen any frustration from him,” Smith said. “I think if he does have frustration, I think it’s internal. He’s done a good job of keeping it internal. Obviously, he’s toughening through some things and he’s playing really well, I think. He’s still moving the same as from what I can see. And really, we just got to get him the ball.
“We got to find ways to get him the ball and get him more involved so he can really feel good about what he’s doing. He’s playing the same as I’ve seen. I haven’t talked to him about any of that. So, I haven’t heard any of that. But, I think, like I said, I think very highly of Brock. I think he’s best tight end in the league. And, it’s my job to get him the ball and make sure that he is on point.”
Raiders Need a Healthy Brock Bowers
Even with Bowers dealing with a knee issue, Raiders radio play-by-play announcer Jason Horowitz noted that the tight end’s reduced mobility has reduced the impact that he has on the offense.
“I don’t know if there’s a percentage you could put on this, but not having a healthy Brock Bowers plays a role in this offense,” Horowitz said after the Raiders’ loss to the Commanders on September 21. Kirk Morrison has talked about it throughout the course of the broadcast against the Chargers and then [against the Commanders].
“Defenses are playing this team differently when Brock Bowers is not a threat to go for 50 yards, and I think that plays a major factor in what is different from Week 1 to now.”
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