In the first seven games of the 2025 season, the Raiders are 2-5. Las Vegas receives a bye in Week 8 and will play the Jacksonville Jaguars at home in Week 9.
For the past three games, the team has lacked the production of All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers. In his second year as a pro, he suffered a torn posterior cruciate ligament and a bone bruise in his left knee. It happened in the season opener. Bowers tried to play through the injury, but was suspended for three consecutive games. After overcoming a bye, NFL officials reported that Brock Bowers is expected to return in Week 9.
Brock Bowers returns for Week 9 against Jacksonville after missing three consecutive games
Raiders tight end Brock Bowers said he’s “ready to go” after missing three straight games recovering from a knee injury.
via story @ryanmcfadden_:https://t.co/PideY4esEz
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 29, 2025
The Las Vegas Raiders look to get back on track in Week 9 with their top pass catcher back in the lineup. Brock Bowers has missed the last three games with a knee injury. He tried to play through the injury for two to four weeks. But the coaching staff needed to shut Bowers down for his own benefit. Brock Bowers wanted to be on the field for his teammates, but needed time to recover. Bowers, who missed three consecutive games and had a bye week, spent nearly a month resting and recovering.
After a long wait, the All-Pro tight end is scheduled to take the field in Week 9. This is a big boost for the Raiders’ passing attack, which has been lackluster. Over the past six weeks, the Raiders have gained 926 total passing yards. Ranked 32nd in the NFL over the past six weeks. Additionally, QB Geno Smith has 10 interceptions this season, nine of which have come in the last six games.
#raider TE Brock Bowers (knee) will participate fully in today’s practice. pic.twitter.com/nW6pp5RHUe
— Ali Maylov (@MySportsUpdate) October 29, 2025
Geno Smith will be the top target to return to the lineup in Week 9 against Jacksonville. Head coach Pete Carroll said the team was “really happy to have him (Bowers) back.” In the first game of the season, Brock Bowers had five catches on eight targets for 103 receiving yards. For the season, he had 19 catches on 27 targets for 225 receiving yards.
During Wednesday’s practice, Pete Carroll said Brock Bowers appeared to be playing at full speed. Additionally, Carroll said Bowers “has made a little splash, so we’re excited to have him back.” All signs point to the 22-year-old tight end playing the full game this Sunday. Las Vegas is trying to salvage its season after starting 2-5. In Week 9, they will play at home against the Jaguars, who have lost two straight and are 4-3.
