Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers is expected to make his 2026 regular-season debut against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Bowers has been listed as questionable because of a left knee injury but has remained optimistic about returning in Week 3.
The Raiders are 2-0 heading into the game and will face the Saints at 4:25 p.m. ET at Caesars Superdome. Bowers has missed the first two games of the season after undergoing surgery on his meniscus on September 8.
Bowers returned to practice on a limited basis Wednesday and Thursday. He did not practice Friday, but the Raiders indicated that the rest day was part of his recovery plan rather than a sign of a setback.
Head coach Klint Kubiak has remained positive about Bowers’ availability throughout the week. When asked about the tight end’s chances of playing, Kubiak said he was optimistic.
The Raiders also did not elevate another tight end from the practice squad for Sunday’s game. They had made that move during each of the first two weeks while Bowers was unavailable.
The situation is different from last week, when Bowers warmed up before the game but was ultimately not activated. This time, the Raiders are not planning to use a pregame workout as the deciding factor.
Bowers has been dealing with the same left knee that caused problems during the 2025 season. Last year, he suffered a posterior cruciate ligament injury and bone bruise against the New England Patriots. He returned to play three games before missing another three as he completed his recovery.
Despite the injury, Bowers had an impressive 2025 season. He recorded 64 receptions for 680 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games, showing his importance to the Raiders’ passing attack.
The latest procedure on his knee was described as a trim rather than a repair, making a Week 3 return the target. If cleared to play, Bowers is expected to take on a role in the Raiders’ offense, although his workload could depend on how his knee responds during the game.
Michael Mayer has handled most of the tight end responsibilities during Bowers’ absence. Mayer has caught nine passes for 55 yards through the first two games and has also played an important role as a blocker.
However, Mayer’s role is different from Bowers’ ability to create plays down the field. Bowers has quickly established himself as one of the Raiders’ main receiving threats since entering the NFL.
Through his first two seasons, Bowers has recorded 176 catches for 1,874 yards and 12 touchdowns. His return would give the Raiders another major option for quarterback play and could add another dimension to an offense that has already helped the team begin the season 2-0.
The Raiders will now wait for the final inactive list before confirming Bowers’ status. If he is activated, Sunday’s matchup against New Orleans would mark his first regular-season appearance of the 2026 season.