The Las Vegas Raiders have placed Pro Bowl tight end Brock Bowers on injured reserve due to a knee injury, ending his second NFL season with two games remaining. Bowers, who has battled the injury since Week 1, will focus on full recovery ahead of 2026. The move comes as the Raiders, with a 2-13 record, prepare for their final games.
Brock Bowers' promising second season with the Las Vegas Raiders has been cut short. On December 24, the team placed the 23-year-old tight end on injured reserve with a knee issue, as reported by NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero. The Raiders later confirmed the transaction, which also included defensive back Jeremy Chinn on IR.
Bowers suffered a PCL injury and bone bruise in his left knee during the season-opening win over the New England Patriots in Week 1. He played through the pain in the following three games before sitting out three contests to aid recovery. Upon returning, Bowers delivered a standout performance with 12 catches for 127 yards and three touchdowns.
Despite the setback, Bowers appeared in 12 games this season, recording 64 receptions for 680 yards and seven touchdowns—team highs but a dip from his rookie year's record-breaking 112 catches for 1,194 yards. Over two seasons, he has amassed 176 receptions, the most by any tight end in NFL history, and 1,874 receiving yards, ranking third all-time for the position through that span, just 107 yards behind Mike Ditka's mark.
The decision to shut Bowers down now prioritizes his long-term health, aiming for him to be fully ready in 2026. With the Raiders eliminated from playoff contention at 2-13, they face the New York Giants in Week 17—both teams tied for the league's worst record—before closing against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Week 17 outcome could determine the No. 1 draft pick.
Bowers earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl nod this year, underscoring his impact despite the injury-plagued campaign.
