Bowers has meniscus trim, out 'a game or two' — SkimNews
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- Brock Bowers underwent a meniscus trim Tuesday in Dallas with Dr. Daniel Cooper after the injury was diagnosed last week, and is expected to miss "a game or two," per ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
- Bowers had been battling knee issues since last season, playing through a posterior cruciate ligament injury and bone bruise in his left knee sustained in the Raiders' season-opening win over the New England Patriots, then missing three games and finishing the year on injured reserve for the final two weeks.
- Bowers totaled 64 catches for 680 yards and 7 touchdowns in 12 games (8 starts) last season, earning his second straight Pro Bowl selection after Las Vegas drafted him 13th overall in 2024.
- Klint Kubiak, speaking before the surgery news surfaced, said he expected "all of our guys ready" for Sunday's opener against the visiting Miami Dolphins.
- Michael Mayer is set to take on a larger offensive role with Bowers out; Mayer totaled 35 catches for 328 yards and a touchdown across 12 games in 2025.
- Kirk Cousins had leaned on Bowers as a go-to target through OTAs and training camp after Bowers returned to the practice field in the spring fully healthy.
Why it matters: The Raiders open Kubiak's first season without their most reliable pass-catcher, with Bowers likely sidelined for the Dolphins matchup and potentially the Week 2 trip to the Chargers. That pushes Michael Mayer — who had just 35 catches in 12 games last season — into a featured role precisely when Cousins needs every weapon available to build chemistry with a new coaching staff.
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