Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers is classified as week-to-week due to a knee injury, head coach Pete Carroll confirmed on Monday. Bowers missed his first game of the season during the Raiders’ recent loss to the Indianapolis Colts on October 1, 2023. He has been managing a PCL injury along with a bone bruise on his left knee, which he sustained during the Raiders’ season-opening victory against the New England Patriots.
Despite being listed as questionable prior to the game against the Colts, Bowers did not participate in the last two days of practice leading up to the match. In his four appearances this season, the 22-year-old has made 19 receptions for 225 yards and has one start to his name. He currently ranks behind wide receivers Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker for the team lead in receiving yards, and he is tied with Tucker for second in receptions.
Bowers’ performance last season was notable, as he recorded 112 catches for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns, earning him an All-Pro selection. If he remains unavailable for Week 6, the Raiders may turn to his backup, tight end Michael Mayer. Carroll indicated that Mayer could clear concussion protocol on Tuesday, having not played since suffering a concussion in Week 3.
In addition to Bowers’ injury news, the Raiders made other roster announcements on Monday. The team has released veteran linebacker Germaine Pratt, who did not travel with the squad for the 40-6 defeat against the Colts due to non-injury reasons. When questioned about Pratt’s absence after the game, Carroll stated that he “just decided to go with the other guys.” Pratt, aged 29, started four games this season, contributing 25 tackles and two passes defensed. He joined the Raiders with a one-year contract worth $4.25 million in June after spending the previous four years with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Furthermore, Carroll revealed that punter AJ Cole sustained a low ankle sprain during Sunday’s loss. Cole will attempt to kick on Friday as he works towards recovery.
As the Raiders hold a current record of 1-4, they face mounting challenges as they prepare for the upcoming weeks without key players. The team’s ability to adapt and recover will be crucial as they aim to improve their standing in the league.
