Brock Bowers returned to Raiders practice Friday for the first time since undergoing knee surgery, but Las Vegas still considers its star tight end doubtful for Sunday.
The Las Vegas Raiders finally got Brock Bowers back on the practice field Friday.
That doesn't necessarily mean they'll get their star tight end back in the lineup Sunday.
Bowers returned to practice Friday for the first time since undergoing knee surgery, providing an encouraging sign after he sat out Wednesday and Thursday.
But Raiders coach Klint Kubiak said afterward that Bowers will be listed as doubtful for Sunday's road game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Raiders plan to put Bowers through a workout before the game before making a final decision on his availability.
That leaves the door slightly open for Bowers to make his 2026 debut after he missed Las Vegas' 27-13 season-opening victory over the Miami Dolphins.
Bowers underwent a procedure to trim the meniscus in his left knee shortly before the start of the regular season.
His return to practice Friday shows progress, but the doubtful designation suggests the Raiders still aren't counting on him against Los Angeles.
If Bowers can't play, Michael Mayer would again be in line for a prominent role at tight end.
Mayer caught six of his seven targets for 32 yards against Miami, tying for the team lead in receptions in the opener.
Las Vegas could also be without another starter Sunday.
Kubiak ruled cornerback Darien Porter out with a foot injury after Porter missed practice throughout the week.
But Bowers' appearance on the practice field Friday at least provided the Raiders with some encouraging news about their biggest offensive injury question.
Whether it was enough to get him back into the lineup will be determined Sunday.
