Brock Bowers to Miss Start of Raiders Season After Meniscus Surgery

Meniscus Surgery in Dallas Sidelines Raiders Star Before Kickoff

The Las Vegas Raiders will start the 2026 NFL campaign without their pass catcher. All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers underwent a meniscus trim procedure performed by Dr. Daniel Cooper in Dallas on Tuesday. League sources informed reporters that the procedure will force the standout tight end to miss one to two games of regular season action.

The physical setback stems from an issue that developed during training camp and was diagnosed the previous week. Opting for a trim rather than a full repair allows for a expedited recovery timeline, yet the timing delivers a difficult blow to a Las Vegas offense preparing to host the Miami Dolphins at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday before visiting the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2.

Lingering Health Hurdles for a Young Star

Following a historic rookie campaign in 2024 where the Georgia product was selected No. 13 overall and earned first-team All-Pro honors with 112 catches for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns, Bowers dealt with significant physical obstacles in 2025.

During the previous season, a posterior cruciate ligament issue and a left-knee bone bruise sustained in the opener against New England severely hampered his availability. Reuters reports that Bowers played through the initial discomfort for three games, sat out the subsequent three, and eventually landed on injured reserve for the final two weeks of the year, finishing with 64 receptions for 680 yards and seven touchdowns across 12 appearances.

“Raiders All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers underwent a meniscus trim Tuesday in Dallas with Dr. Daniel Cooper and now is expected to miss ‘a game or two,’ league sources told @rapsheet and me.”

Adam Schefter, ESPN

Offensive Adjustments Under Klint Kubiak

The sudden absence alters the tactical landscape for the Raiders as they enter their first season under new head coach Klint Kubiak. Throughout the preseason, the coaching staff heavily featured Bowers and wide receiver Trey Tucker as primary focal points in the passing game. With their central pass catcher temporarily sidelined, quarterback Kirk Cousins will look toward alternative options in the offensive attack.

The franchise lists Michael Mayer and Ian Thomas as the other tight ends on the roster, with Mayer expected to see an immediate usage boost. Alongside Tucker, the receiving corps features Jack Bech, Jalen Nailor, Dareke Young, and sixth-round draft pick Malik Benson. Compounding the offensive shuffle, running back Ashton Jeanty returned to practice on Wednesday after recovering from a right ankle injury sustained on August 23, leaving the team hopeful to have their backfield weapon available against Miami while Bowers recovers.