Ryan McFadden
HENDERSON, Nev. — Las Vegas Raiders tight finish Brock Bowers is questionable to play in Monday night time's matchup in opposition to the Los Angeles Chargers due to a knee damage, however Raiders coach Pete Carroll expects the workforce's high cross catcher to be obtainable.
Bowers practiced Saturday after sitting out Thursday and Friday. He has worn a brace over a sleeve on his left knee for the previous two days.
“He practiced nice,” Carroll mentioned Saturday. “He did very well immediately.”
Bowers mentioned he felt good throughout apply. When requested if he felt extra optimistic about his availability, Bowers mentioned, “I do not know, it is onerous to say. I am simply going to maintain figuring out and see how I really feel the remainder of the day, tomorrow and the subsequent day. So, we'll see.”
Bowers injured his knee through the second half of final week's win over the New England Patriots. Carroll mentioned Bowers needed to return to the sport, however the coaching workers held him again.
Bowers' availability is critical for the Raiders' offense. As a rookie, he led all tight ends in receiving yards (1,194). In his first sport enjoying alongside beginning quarterback Geno Smith, Bowers totaled 5 catches for 103 yards. He had two receptions for at the least 30 yards.
If Bowers cannot play, the Raiders are happy with their depth at tight finish. Michael Mayer, a second-round pick of Notre Dame in 2023, had 4 catches for 38 yards final week. He had a robust coaching camp and mentioned that is the perfect he has felt mentally and emotionally. Mayer missed seven video games final yr due to private causes.
Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly was impressed with Mayer's efficiency in Week 1. He mentioned Mayer did job of catching the ball beneath, working after the catch and blocking on the level of assault.
“I feel [there aren't] many individuals [who] have that luxurious to have two gifted gamers like that. And I will throw Ian [Thomas] in there, too,” Kelly mentioned. “… To have three tight ends that may play and have confirmed that they will play within the NFL is an actual massive deal.”
In different damage information, beginning linebacker Elandon Roberts (elbow) will play after being a full participant Saturday. Jackson Powers-Johnson was dominated out after sustaining a concussion in Thursday's apply.
Alex Cappa is predicted to start out at proper guard.
