Is Brock Bowers Playing Week 2? Latest Updates On Raiders Te's Status

Brock Bowers missed the Las Vegas Raiders' Week 1 win over the Miami Dolphins after having a meniscus trim on eve of the 2026 NFL season.

Now, all eyes will be on whether the 23-year-old star can return to the field as the Raiders look to improve to 2-0 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

While Bowers' injury isn't expected to be of the long-term variety, it remains uncertain whether he will be able to suit up in Week 2 after his minor surgery.

Here's are the latest updates on Bowers' status as the Raiders prepare to face the Chargers in their first divisional game of the 2026 campaign.

Is Brock Bowers playing Week 2?

It isn't yet clear whether Bowers will be able to play in the Raiders' Week 2 game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Raiders have not yet provided a definitive timeline for Bowers' return. Las Vegas coach Klint Kubiak simply declared the veteran tight end is "day-to-day" ahead of Week 2.

Brock Bowers injury update

Kubiak announced during his Sept. 16 news conference that Bowers would not participate in Wednesday's practice. However, the first-year coach noted he is hopeful the 23-year-old tight end will at least return to practice at some point this week.

"That's my hope," Kubiak told reporters, referencing his injured players. "Just keep getting them better every day."

The next step for Bowers ahead of his return would be to log a limited practice. His next chances to do that will come Thursday and Friday. More should be known about Bowers' status by the latter day, as the Raiders will have to give him an official injury designation for Sunday's game.

Who is Brock Bowers' backup?

Michael Mayer is Bowers' top backup and he will handle a lion's share of the team's snaps as long as the 2024 first-round pick remains out of action.

Mayer 55 of the Raiders' 68 offensive snaps in Week 1, recording six catches for 32 yards. The 25-year-old signed a three-year, $45 million extension on eve of the 2026 NFL season to lock the 2023 second-round pick in as Las Vegas' long-term foil to Bowers.

Raiders TE depth chart

The Raiders have three tight ends on their 53-man roster. Below is a look at the pecking order within the unit.

1. Brock Bowers (injured)
2. Michael Mayer
3. Ian Thomas

Thomas played 31 snaps in the Raiders' Week 1 win over the Miami Dolphins but did not record a catch. H will likely continue to have a sizable role as a blocker as long as Bowers remains out.

The Raiders also called up Chris Myarick from their practice squad to serve as a No. 3 tight end with Bowers out. He only played eight offensive snaps, but he would likely be called up again to provide depth if Bowers can't play.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Brock Bowers playing Week 2? Latest updates on Raiders TE's status