Just hours before they were set to kick off their Week 5 game in Indianapolis against the Colts, the Las Vegas Raiders received some bad injury news on their star second-year TE Brock Bowers. Though Bowers has been listed on the Raiders injury report with a knee injury for a few weeks now, the severity and specifics of the injury were unknown. Now, we have some clarity.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Bowers is dealing with a PCL injury and bone bruise to his knee. Both injuries were suffered in Week 1 against the Patriots, and he’s been playing through them since. Doctors have recommended rest as the only way for Bowers to heal, but he’s been determined to stay out on the field for his teammates thus far.
That may be changing, however. Tom Pelissero of NFL Media reported that Bowers is unlikely to play today against the Colts. Pelissero, alongside insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, said that despite Las Vegas head coach Pete Carroll saying on Friday that Bowers would probably play, plans have since changed.
The Raiders gave Bowers the day off of practice on both Thursday and Friday in the hopes that he would be able to go on Sunday. However, recovery progress has been slower than they wanted, and he’s set to miss the Colts game.
The Injury to Las Vegas Raiders TE Brock Bowers Has Been Impacting His Performance
Chris Unger/GettyLAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 28: Brock Bowers #89 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
The No. 12 overall pick in 2024, Bowers wowed NFL fans as a rookie with 112 receptions for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns. His performance earned him a place on the All-Rookie team and launched his name into conversations for one of the best tight ends in the league.
He hasn’t been the same this year, however, and it’s likely due to his knee injuries. Since that Week 1 game where he suffered his injuries, Bowers hasn’t topped 50 receiving yards, and he has yet to score on the year. He’s one of the most dynamic receiving threats at the tight end position in the entire league, and he’s clearly hampered at the moment.
With Bowers out, the Raiders would typically turn to 2023 second-round pick TE Michael Mayer. However, Mayer is dealing with concussion symptoms and is officially listed as questionable against the Colts. If he can’t go either, Las Vegas would play Ian Thomas and Carter Runyan.
The Las Vegas Raiders Need to Find Some Wins Somewhere
The Colts have one of the most efficient offenses in the NFL, and without Bowers, it’ll be tough for Las Vegas to keep up. After that, however, they play the Titans, Chiefs, Jaguars, Broncos, Cowboys, and Browns. None of those matchups will be easy, but there are winnable games in there.
The Raiders are 1-3 to start Carroll’s tenure. The longtime Seahawks coach joined the Raiders this season and the hopes by fans and ownership alike are high. It’s been a tough go of it to start, but the Raiders have a chance to turn things around in the coming weeks.
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