Brock Bowers struggled to make an impact for the second consecutive game as the Las Vegas Raiders fell 41-24 to the Washington Commanders on September 21 at Northwest Stadium.
Playing through a knee injury, Bowers hasn’t looked like the same player from Week 1. He opened the season with a standout performance, recording 103 receiving yards, but he hasn’t come close to matching that production since.
With the Silver and Black needing a win in Week 4 against the Chicago Bears, the Las Vegas offense need to get Bowers along with their running game to snap their two-game losing streak.
Speaking to reporters on September 24, Raiders quarterback Geno Smith was asked about the team’s star tight end.
“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 Offense Feeling Impact of Limited Brock Bowers
Even with Bowers playing through his knee issue, Raiders radio play-by-play announcer Jason Horowitz pointed out that the tight end’s limited mobility allows defenses to focus elsewhere, as opponents don’t need to spend as much time game-planning for the star player.
“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. “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.”
There’s Good News for the Raiders
On September 24, the team released its latest injury report, and Bowers remains on the list as he continues to manage the same knee issue. The positive takeaway is that he fully participated in practice.
Las Vegas’ offense took a hit in the loss to the Commanders, with the tight end position facing potential depth issues heading into Week 4.
Michael Mayer left the game in the first quarter after suffering a head injury. Moreover, on the injury report, Mayer didn’t practice due to his concussion.
That leaves Bowers more responsibility to carry the tight end role, even though he’s not fully healthy. It will be worth watching whether another week of treatment can return Bowers to his usual form.
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