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. This marks the first game Bowers missed this season, having played through a PCL injury and a bone bruise on his left knee. The injuries occurred during the Raiders’ season-opening victory over the New England Patriots.
Bowers, 22, was questionable heading into the game against the Indianapolis Colts on September 30, 2023. He did not participate in the final two days of practice leading up to the match. In four appearances this season, he has made 19 receptions for 225 yards and one touchdown. Bowers ranks third on the team in receiving yards, trailing wide receivers Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker. He is tied with Tucker for second in receptions.
Last season, Bowers had an impressive rookie year, recording 112 catches for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns, earning All-Pro honors. If he is unable to play in Week 6, Michael Mayer, the team’s backup tight end, may step in. Mayer is expected to clear concussion protocol on Tuesday, having missed time since suffering a concussion in Week 3.
In other personnel news, the Raiders released veteran linebacker Germaine Pratt following his absence from the team during the Colts game for non-injury related reasons. “I just decided to go with the other guys,” Carroll stated when discussing Pratt’s absence after the game. Pratt, 29, had started four games for the Raiders this season, accumulating 25 tackles and two passes defensed. He joined Las Vegas in June on a one-year deal worth $4.25 million after spending several seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Additionally, punter AJ Cole sustained a low ankle sprain during the loss to the Colts and is scheduled to attempt kicking again on Friday. The Raiders, with a current record of 1-4, will look to navigate these injuries as they prepare for their upcoming match.
