Silver And Black Pride
Raiders TE Brock Bowers suffered a sprained PCL injury vs the Patriots early in week 1, Bowers proceeded to miss the remainder of the game before returning to play vs the Los Angeles Chargers in week 2. After 5 receptions for 103 yards in week 1, Bowers logged just 38 yards in both weeks 2 and 3 before 46 vs the Bears in week 4. Despite the injury, Bowers remained inside the top 10 of the NFL in terms of separation and was 6th among TE in contested catch rate while 2nd in yards after the catch. Through Bowers injury, he suffered a setback which likely upgraded his grade 1 PCL sprain to a grade 2 sprain, indicating a minor tear in the ligament. It was notable that Bowers was greatly injured after he struggled to adjust to a back shoulder throw and seemed to be playing as a decoy on majority of his reps vs the Chargers. Reports have came out that stated Bowers attempted to play through the injury despite medical staff disagreements and attempting to sideline him.
The injury is similar to that of Rams WR Puka Nacua, who suffered an identical issue last year and missed 5 games with the grade 2 PCL tear after suffering the injury in week 1. Nacua returned to the field later in the season where he went on to post 990 yards, 79 receptions, and 3 touchdowns still showing high level play. For the Raiders, a report from Tom Pelissero indicated that Bowers likely is out till week 9, where the Raiders will be without him yet again vs the Chiefs prior to their bye week. Bowers who is coming off a 1000+ yard season, has not had much history with injuries in his career dating back to his time at Georgia which should be hopeful that a full return to play at a high level will happen rather quickly given the minor severity of his injury.
The Raiders have replaced Bowers through multiple tight ends, though 3rd year TE Michael Mayer will likely handle majority of the reps vs Kansas City, and should see increased playtime after Bowers returns as the team works him back in slowly. Through the first half vs the Titans, Mayer has north of 70 yards and a touchdown as the former Notre Dame standout attempts to showcase the talent that made him a 2nd round pick in 2021.
