When is Brock Bowers coming back? Injury update, return timeline for Raiders TE

The Las Vegas Raiders will have to navigate at least the first game of the 2026 NFL season without tight end Brock Bowers.

Bowers was ruled out for the Week 1 contest against the Miami Dolphins after suffering a knee injury that required a procedure.

That is a disappointing turn of events, to say the least.

Here's what we know about Bowers' return timeline.

When is Brock Bowers coming back?

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Raiders believe that Bowers could be back as soon as Week 2.

"After undergoing a meniscus trim Tuesday, the Raiders believe there’s a realistic chance Brock Bowers will miss only one game and return for Week 2 at the Los Angeles Chargers, per sources. Team will see how he’s feeling this week, but a potential return next week is within the realm of possibility," Schefter reported.

The initial timeline for Bowers was one or two games, so it looks like he could very well be back on the shorter end of that timeline.

Impact of Brock Bowers' absence

This is obviously a devastating blow for the Raiders' offense, as Bowers is the team's top pass-catcher.

Las Vegas was already dealing with a shaky pass-catcher situation because of the lack of an established No. 1 wideout on the roster, so this just makes things worse.

With Bowers sidelined, Michael Mayer should see an increased role. Mayer was inked to a three-year, $45 million contract extension on Saturday.

Along with Mayer, the Raiders will also have Ian Thomas active, and they elevated Chris Myarick from the practice squad to serve as the third tight end.

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