Brock Bowers will miss at least the first game of the Las Vegas Raiders' 2026 season after undergoing a meniscus trimming procedure on Tuesday. Bowers sustained the injury sometime during training camp and is now expected to miss "a game or two," according to a report from NFL insiders Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport. With Bowers out, backup tight end Michael Mayer will be asked to step up as the team's starter for Sunday's Week 1 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
Mayer was asked about Bowers' status during his media availability on Thursday. He’s been attacking it already very well," Mayer said. "Saw him in the changing room this morning, already rehabbing." Bowers played through knee injury issues for much of the Raiders' 2025 campaign, missing five games.
Mayer got more usage as a result, reeling in 35 catches for 328 yards and one touchdown in his third professional season. If Bowers does miss the Raiders' Week 2 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, his next opportunity to return would be against the New Orleans Saints in Week 3. Sunday's Week 1 matchup against the Dolphins will kick off at 4:25 p.m.
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