Raiders TE Bowers Undergoes Surgery, Expected Out 1-2 Games

Las Vegas Raiders star tight end Brock Bowers underwent a meniscus trim surgery in Dallas on Tuesday, an injury sustained during training camp that was diagnosed last week. League sources indicate Bowers is expected to miss one to two games, casting immediate uncertainty over the Raiders' offensive strategy as they prepare for their season opener. The procedure was performed by Dr. Daniel Cooper, a specialist in knee procedures. With Bowers sidelined, Michael Mayer is slated to step into the starting tight end role. Ian Thomas is expected to be the next man up on the depth chart. This shift places additional pressure on quarterback Kirk Cousins and a receiving corps that already faced questions entering the 2026 season. Bowers, a first-round pick in 2024, was anticipated to be a central target in the Raiders' passing offense. Bowers's previous season, 2025, was hampered by knee issues, including a PCL sprain and bone bruise that limited him to 12 games. Despite playing through discomfort, he recorded 64 catches for 680 yards and seven touchdowns.