Bowers Has Meniscus Trim, Out 'A Game or Two' — SkimNews
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- Brock Bowers underwent a meniscus trim Tuesday in Dallas performed by Dr. Daniel Cooper and is expected to miss "a game or two," per league sources reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport on Wednesday.
- Bowers got banged up "a little in camp" with the injury diagnosed last week; first-year Raiders coach Klint Kubiak, speaking before the surgery report surfaced, said he expected all players ready for Sunday's opener against the visiting Miami Dolphins.
- Bowers has battled the same left knee since last season — a posterior cruciate ligament injury and bone bruise suffered in the season-opening win over the New England Patriots sidelined him for three games, and he was placed on injured reserve for the final two weeks after playing 12 games (8 starts) with 64 catches, 680 yards, and 7 touchdowns.
- Bowers was named to his second straight Pro Bowl and returned healthy in the spring, emerging as a go-to target for veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins during OTAs and training camp after Las Vegas drafted him 13th overall in 2024.
- Michael Mayer will take on a larger offensive role in Bowers' absence; Mayer totaled 35 catches for 328 yards and a touchdown across 12 games in 2025.
- After hosting the Dolphins in the opener, the Raiders visit the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2.
Why it matters: The Raiders lose their All-Pro tight end for at least Sunday's Dolphins opener, thrusting backup Michael Mayer (35 catches in 2025) into a featured role. The real concern is durability: this is Bowers' latest knee issue after a PCL injury and bone bruise cost him three games last season before he ended on injured reserve.
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