Brock Bowers, the Las Vegas Raiders’ star tight end, might not be back on the field until Week 4, even though his knee injury is being called “not overly serious” after a meniscus trim last week. Talk about a curveball! This timeline is way less optimistic than what we were hearing just a few days ago.
What Happened to Week 2?!
Just a few days ago, it felt like Bowers was on the fast track to recovery. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Sunday that after his procedure, there was a “realistic chance” he’d miss only one game and be back for Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Schefter even hinted that a return “next week is within the realm of possibility.” That’s the kind of news that gets fans hyped. But then, an NFL insider, Dan Graziano of ESPN, dropped a new update, and it definitely pumps the brakes on that optimism.
Playing It Safe, Or Just Playing?
Graziano’s report confirms Bowers’ knee injury “is not overly serious,” from what he’s been told. Honestly, the team felt Bowers “could have played last week if necessary.” So why the potential Week 4 wait? This is where it gets a little wild. The Raiders are apparently “determined to be careful with this very important player.” They’re not going to play him until they’re “100% certain he’s not being affected by the knee.” Graziano believes the “latest” we’ll see Bowers is Week 4 against the Chiefs, but he admits it *could* be sooner. Think about that: from missing one game to potentially missing three.
The source makes it clear that the Raiders *should* hold him out longer. He’s one of their most important players, it’s only Week 2, and there’s “no sense in rushing him back.” This is especially true when the team isn’t “competing for anything significant” this season, even after their Week 1 win. It really puts the pressure on head coach Klint Kubiak and the coaching staff to make the smart long-term call here, even if it frustrates fans who want their playmaking tight end back on the field ASAP.
So, holding Bowers out for one or even two more games wouldn’t be shocking, given the bigger picture. We’ll all be glued to the Raiders’ first injury report of Week 2, which drops Wednesday. Even a limited practice would be a solid sign for Sunday, telling us he’s making progress. But a full practice? That’s almost a guarantee he’s back out there to try and make an impact. Here’s hoping for that sooner-than-Week-4 return for their playmaking tight end. They need him healthy for the long haul!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply