The Las Vegas Raiders could be getting a major offensive weapon back sooner rather than later. Head coach Klint Kubiak confirmed Monday that tight end Brock Bowers will practice this week as he continues his recovery from a knee injury, putting a potential Week 3 return firmly in play.
Bowers has missed the Raiders’ first two games of the 2026 NFL season after undergoing a meniscus trim procedure on his left knee earlier this month. However, his recent progress has the team increasingly optimistic about his availability against the New Orleans Saints.
Bowers will practice this week
Bowers returned to the practice field last Friday as a limited participant, marking his first significant on-field work since undergoing the procedure. He was ultimately ruled out for Sunday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, but Kubiak said afterward that Bowers was “very close” to playing.
Now, Bowers is scheduled to practice throughout the week, giving him an opportunity to demonstrate that his knee is ready for game action. Kubiak’s latest update represents another positive step in the recovery process.
The Raiders initially described Bowers as day-to-day after the procedure, with Kubiak emphasizing that the team would be cautious with its star tight end. Bowers’ return to practice last week suggested he was progressing ahead of schedule, and Monday’s announcement confirms that the Raiders are preparing to increase his workload.
Raiders hope Bowers can make 2026 debut
Bowers’ potential return would provide a significant boost to an offense that has relied heavily on other playmakers during his absence. Michael Mayer has handled the starting tight end role through the first two games and has recorded nine receptions for 55 yards on 11 targets.
The Raiders enter Week 3 at 2-0 after defeating the Chargers 26-14 on Sunday, and Bowers could now have a chance to make his season debut against New Orleans on Sept. 27.
There is still work to be done before Bowers is officially cleared. His participation throughout the week will be important, particularly if the Raiders want him to handle a full workload in his first game back.
For now, though, the latest update provides the Raiders with encouraging news regarding one of their most important offensive players.
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