Raiders' Brock Bowers sidelined with knee injury for Week 1

The Las Vegas Raiders announced that rookie tight end Brock Bowers will be unavailable for the team's Week 1 matchup with the Miami Dolphins because of a knee injury sustained during training camp. The injury was diagnosed last week, and Bowers was seen with tape on his left knee during practice.

In Bowers' absence, second-round pick Michael Mayer, who signed a contract with $30 million guaranteed and a $15 million average annual value, is expected to start. Mayer recorded 300 receiving yards as a rookie and is positioned as the Raiders' primary tight end for the opening game.

"A player dealing with this type of injury is always going to downplay the severity," NFL reporter Ian Rapoport said on The Pat McAfee Show, adding that even if Bowers returns in two weeks, he is unlikely to be at full strength.

Bowers missed a recent practice for personal reasons but returned the following day, catching two touchdowns in drills. The injury follows a PCL sprain and bone bruise that limited his 2025 season, leading to an injured-reserve placement in Week 17.

Coach Klint Kubiak has indicated that Bowers remains a central component of the Raiders' passing attack once cleared, and the team is working to integrate him into multiple offensive schemes. For now, fantasy analysts recommend targeting Mayer as a viable tight end option until Bowers is cleared to play.