After playing in his first preseason game a few weeks ago, Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers has been sidelined with a foot injury.
Bowers did not take part in the preseason Week 2 game against the Dallas Cowboys due to the issue, something head coach Antonio Pierce revealed following the 27-12 defeat.
The hope was that Bowers would return to practice this week, but he ended up sitting out the entire week and did not suit up for preseason Week 3, which only added to the concerns about his Week 1 status.
We did, however, get a positive update from head coach Antonio Pierce during the week that leads us to believe he will indeed be ready for the regular season opener.
Brock Bowers injury update
"Yeah, just precautionary," Pierce said when asked if his rookie tight end would be ready for Week 1. "Got a foot injury and we just want to protect him."
As of right now, there has been nothing to suggest that Bowers is in any danger of missing the season-opener, which is in a little over two weeks on Sunday, Sept. 8, against the Los Angeles Chargers. Pierce's comment only reinforces that.
The No. 13 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Bowers is expected to have a role on offense immediately.
He tallied two receptions for 25 yards in preseason Week 1 versus the Minnesota Vikings. Bowers' skillset and versatility were on full display in the contest, as the Georgia product lined up outside, in the slot, in-line and in the backfield and flashed his yards after catch ability.
Bowers will be catching passes from veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew to start the 2024 season after the team announced him as the starter on Sunday. Minshew's spot isn't guaranteed for the whole season, though, as Aidan O'Connell will be waiting to step in if Minshew falters.
