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Until Bowers is back in the fold and completely healthy, the Raiders' offense will be highly dependent on the running game and Jeanty. Bowers being doubtful for Week 2 against the Chargers really hurts the offense, particularly because the Chargers' defense was vulnerable to the passing game (Trey McBride had nine catches for 95 yards and a touchdown against them in Week 1) but did a decent job stopping the run with a 61.4 PFF run defense grade (12th) and 75.5 run defense impact score (15th).

Bowers re-injured his knee either during or shortly after the first preseason game against Arizona on Aug. 13, where he played just one snap despite the rest of the starting offense getting a full 10-play drive. Videos on social media surfaced four days later showing him being ginger with the knee. The source speculates the meniscus procedure likely happened shortly after the 49ers preseason game rather than the Tuesday before the season opener, which would align with the team's "a game or two" miss timeline. However, the source expresses skepticism about the timeline, noting it's difficult to believe someone can have knee surgery and be ready to play in an NFL game 12-19 days later, especially given this is the same knee injured last year.

Bowers was out for Week 1, forcing the Raiders to rely on creative offensive schemes and increased usage of Ashton Jeanty to compensate for the absence of the team's best tight end.

Tight end likely re-injured his knee during or shortly after the first preseason game (Aug. 13 vs. Cardinals, where he played just one snap despite the starting offense getting a full 10-play drive); social media videos four days later showed him being ginger with the knee. Colleague Marcus Johnson theorizes the meniscus procedure happened shortly after the 49ers preseason game rather than the Tuesday before the season opener, which would align better with the expectation he'll miss 'a game or two.' The source notes skepticism about the official timeline, as it's unlikely a player can return to NFL action 12–19 days after knee surgery, especially given this is the same knee injured last year and Bowers is a key part of the organization's long-term plan.

Bowers underwent meniscus-trimming knee surgery and is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Bengals. He returned to Raiders practice on Friday for the first time since surgery, walking onto the field with pads and a sleeve on his left leg, but did not practice Wednesday or Thursday.

Raiders TE Brock Bowers underwent meniscus-trimming knee surgery last week and was sidelined for Week 1. He was considered day-to-day post-surgery but did not practice Wednesday or Thursday. On Friday, he returned to the field with pads and helmet, wearing a sleeve on his left leg, but is listed as doubtful for Sunday.

Bowers returned to practice Friday after meniscus surgery prior to Week 1 but is doubtful to play in Week 2. If he gets the green light, he should be started even if limited. If he sits, replacement options include Dalton Schultz, Juwan Johnson, and Michael Mayer, who saw a team-high seven targets in Bowers' absence.

Knee injury rules out Bowers for Week 2; Michael Mayer becomes the primary tight end beneficiary of the workload shift for Las Vegas.

Doubtful to play Sunday vs Chargers after knee surgery 10 days prior; first practice since surgery on Friday; would need significant progress to be cleared; head coach Klint Kubiak said he is optimistic Bowers will play at New Orleans on September 27.

Brock Bowers underwent knee surgery 10 days ago and is doubtful to play Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers. He returned to the practice field Friday for the first time since surgery but would need to make significant progress to be cleared. Head coach Klint Kubiak said Bowers is optimistic to play against the New Orleans Saints on September 27.

Brock Bowers was listed as doubtful to play against the Chargers in Week 2. Head coach Klint Kubiak said at his Friday press conference that Bowers will work out ahead of the game before a final decision is made, but the doubtful designation makes it unlikely he will be cleared to play. If ruled out, Michael Mayer will serve as the team's top tight end for the second straight week.

Brock Bowers underwent minor meniscus-trimming knee surgery and was sidelined for Week 1 against Miami. He returned to practice Friday for the first time since the procedure, wearing a left-leg sleeve, but head coach Klint Kubiak listed him as 'doubtful' for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Kubiak expressed optimism that Bowers will return the following week.

Star tight end was out in Week 1, which created an expectation for increased production from the Raiders' receiver group. The source notes that despite the running game performing well, more production was expected from receivers given Bowers' absence.

Bowers is dealing with a knee injury and has yet to practice (DNP Wed./Thurs.) heading into Week 2. He is trending toward missing a second consecutive game, which would keep Michael Mayer in a starting role at tight end for the Raiders.

Bowers is dealing with a knee injury and has yet to practice (DNP Wed./Thurs.) heading into Week 2; he is trending toward missing a second consecutive game, which would keep Michael Mayer in a starting role for the Raiders.

Brock Bowers is still recovering from a meniscus tear and has yet to practice this week, which doesn't bode well for his availability on Sunday. His backup Michael Mayer led the team in targets in Week 1.

Sat out Wednesday; data favors sitting Week 2 with Week 3-4 return expected, and comments point to Week 3 with usual rapid ramp-up.

Raiders tight end Brock Bowers underwent knee surgery last week and was not on the practice field for Week 2 preparation against the Chargers.

Raiders tight end was not on the practice field because he underwent knee surgery last week; status for Week 2 vs Chargers unclear.

Bowers has not practiced since undergoing meniscus surgery last week and missed practice again on Thursday. Head coach Klint Kubiak expressed hope for his return to practice, with Friday being the final opportunity before the Raiders face the Chargers.