Brock Bowers Injury Update, Return Timeline Revealed in Latest NFL Rumors After Raiders Start 2-0

The Las Vegas Raiders are off to a somewhat surprising 2-0 start, and they could get one of their star players back this week.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that tight end Brock Bowers is expected to be back with the Raiders this week against the New Orleans Saints after missing the start of the season with a knee injury.

Bowers missed the Raiders' season opener against the Miami Dolphins and had a meniscus trim procedure earlier this month after injuring his knee during training camp.

There was initially hope that he'd be able to return for Week 2, but he ended up missing the game against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Raiders still managed to take care of business, beating their divisional rival 26-14.

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Bowers had a standout rookie season that saw him collect 1,194 yards and five touchdowns. Injuries struck in Year 2, and Bowers ended up missing five games because of knee troubles. He still finished the 2025 campaign with 680 yards and seven scores.

With Bowers out, Michael Mayer has assumed the starting tight end role for the Raiders, recording nine receptions for 55 yards through two games. Las Vegas inked Mayer to a three-year, $45 million extension before the season, clearly showing that it values him alongside Bowers.

Wide receiver Tre Tucker has been the focal point of the passing attack to start the season, and he's picked up seven receptions and 146 yards through two games. Running back Ashton Jeanty has also done well to aid the offense, rushing for 150 yards so far.

But while the Raiders have gotten strong play from a few skill players, potentially having Bowers back on Sunday would give them even more of an edge.

Las Vegas appeared to be in for another rebuilding year coming into the season, but a 2-0 start perhaps says otherwise. If the Raiders can keep Bowers and other key players healthy, they could make a surprising run.