Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers will miss the first one or two games of the NFL season after undergoing a meniscus trim operation on Tuesday in Dallas. The surgery was performed by Dr. Daniel Cooper, who diagnosed the injury last week, telling ESPN's Adam Schefter that Bowers "got banged up a little in camp."
With Bowers sidelined, the Raiders will rely on veteran tight end Michael Mayer to handle a larger portion of the team's receiving duties. The loss of Bowers is considered a significant setback for the Raiders as they prepare for a challenging schedule in the AFC West. The team is also entering a new era with rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the first-overall pick, expected to eventually take over the franchise. The Raiders have missed the playoffs for four consecutive seasons and are aiming to reach the postseason for the first time since 2002.
Bowers, a first-team All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler entering his third NFL season, was anticipated to be a crucial contributor to the Raiders' success. In his rookie year, he set league records for the most catches by a rookie in a single season and the most receiving yards by a rookie tight end.