Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers has undergone knee surgery and will miss the beginning of the 2026 NFL season. Bowers had a trim on his meniscus in Dallas and is expected to be sidelined for at least the first two games.
A photo shared on Instagram by his girlfriend, Cameron Newell, showed Bowers with a sleeve on his left knee, giving a 'hang loose' sign as he recovers.
Bowers previously missed a significant portion of the prior season due to a PCL injury and bone bruise that placed him on injured reserve. This latest injury reportedly occurred during training camp when the tight end "got banged up."
Recovery for a meniscus trim typically takes between four to six weeks, but Bowers' medical team is optimistic about a quicker return. His absence is a blow to the Raiders, who are entering a new era with first-overall pick Fernando Mendoza and veteran Kirk Cousins as their Week 1 starter.
Bowers, a first-team All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler, has already set rookie records for catches and receiving yards by a tight end. Despite injuries last season limiting him to 12 games, he recorded a career-high seven touchdowns.
The Raiders will open their 2026 campaign at home against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday. In Bowers' absence, Michael Mayer is expected to receive the majority of snaps at tight end.