Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers is listed as questionable for Sunday’s Week 3 game against the New Orleans Saints. Head coach Klint Kubiak confirmed that Bowers’ absence from Friday’s practice was part of a planned recovery following preseason knee surgery that sidelined him for the first two games.
Klint Kubiak and the Raiders Weigh Brock Bowers’ Week 3 Availability
The Las Vegas Raiders are managing a high-stakes decision heading into their matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Star pass-catcher Brock Bowers is questionable to make his season debut after missing the opening two contests due to a knee issue. According to head coach Klint Kubiak, the tight end underwent surgery before the season to get the knee cleaned up.
Bowers pushed hard to play in the team’s Week 2 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. He went through a rigorous pregame workout under the watchful eyes of the coaching staff and front office, and Kubiak noted postgame that the player was very close to stepping onto the field before the team exercised caution.
This week, Bowers participated in limited practice sessions on both Wednesday and Thursday. While he was absent from Friday’s final workout, that non-participation was entirely intentional, allowing the tight end to rest as part of the team’s ongoing recovery plan. Sam Warren of The Athletic reported that Bowers didn’t participate in Friday’s practice, and that this was the plan all along.
How Las Vegas Kept the Offense Afloat Without Their Top Weapon
Despite missing their primary offensive target, the Raiders managed an improbable 2-0 start to the campaign—marking their first 2-0 opening since their 2021 run. Kubiak’s scheme has averaged 26.5 points per game, but the unit has had to reinvent itself weekly to compensate for the absence.
In the season-opening win against the Miami Dolphins, the ground game carried the load. Ashton Jeanty and Mike Washington Jr. churned out 188 of the team’s 290 total yards, with Jeanty hauling in two touchdowns. When the Chargers effectively bottled up the backfield the following week—limiting Jeanty to 63 yards on 25 touches—veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins unlocked the perimeter passing game. Cousins connected on 11 of 16 passes for 204 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception when targeting his wide receivers.
“I think it gives everybody confidence that everybody can go in, do their job in the way we see fit. That they can go in, they can play different guys, can play different positions. We can maximize different skill sets in different ways and execute the offense.”
Andrew Janocko, offensive coordinator
Offensive Coordinator Andrew Janocko Welcomes a Major Boost
The return of the former Georgia Bulldog promises to expand the playbook significantly. Offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko expressed high enthusiasm during his Thursday press briefing about getting the playmaker back into the fold.
“Yeah, he’s a tremendous player, brings a unique set of skills, both in the run and pass game. Something that as he as he progresses and gets ready to go again, we’re excited when he’s ready to go to get him back.”
If Bowers is cleared to play against New Orleans, he slots right back in as a primary target. If the medical staff holds him out for another week against the 1-1 New Orleans Saints, Michael Mayer will continue handling starting tight end duties while targets flow through wideouts like Tre Tucker, Jack Bech, and Jalen Nailor.
Fantasy Football and Game Day Decisions Loom Large
Fantasy managers and opposing defensive coordinators alike face a waiting game ahead of the 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff in New Orleans this Sunday. While Kubiak downplayed Friday’s absence and maintained an optimistic tone throughout the week, the team’s handling of the injury report leaves his exact gameday status uncertain.
Fantasy players will need to monitor his status closely ahead of the kickoff in New Orleans, as a healthy Bowers instantly resumes every-week starting value as a top-tier fantasy option. Kubiak did mention Friday that Bowers won’t go through a pregame workout to determine his status.