What’s the latest on Brock Bowers’ injury? Update as Pete Carroll downplays Raiders star’s setback

Brock Bowers had picked up where he left off last season for the Las Vegas Raiders, that was until he exited Sunday’s season opener in the fourth quarter.

The star tight end appeared to suffer a knee injury with under four minutes left to go in the third quarter.

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It appeared that the initial contact on his knee came from when he was chased down out of bounds by New England Patriots safety Craig Woodson after having received a pass short middle from quarterback Geno Smith to which he ran 38 yards down the sideline.

But staying in the game, on the following play on the drive, Bowers could be seen clutching at his knee as he cut inside on a route.

After coming out of the lineup to receive treatment, although listed as ‘questionable’ to return, the 22-year-old would play no further part as the Raiders clinched a 20-13 road victory over the Patriots at Gillette Stadium.

How serious is Bowers’ injury and how much time could he miss?

A collective gasp for fantasy football enthusiasts everywhere ensued when it was announced that Bowers was ‘questionable’ to return against the Patriots, probably.

Now, fantasy owners of Bowers will be anxiously waiting news on his status, as will Raiders fans, with the tight end having yet to miss a career NFL game.

After a breakout rookie campaign in which he recorded 112 receptions for 1,194 receiving yards and five touchdowns, many were excited to see what the former Georgia product could produce in a new-look Raiders offense led by quarterback Geno Smith

Through the contest’s first three quarters, the 6-foot-4 tight end tallied five receptions for 103 yards, notching four first-downs for the Raiders.

Although some have speculated exactly when the injury occurred, Bowers himself isn’t even quite sure on exactly when it happened.

“Maybe I fell on it,” Bowers told reporters in the locker room. “I came out [the game] the next play, it was a little sore and so I got it looked at.

When asked if he had any concerns over the extent of the injury, Bowers said: “No [concerns]. We have an extra day this week and we’ll see what happens.”

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The Raiders will host the Los Angeles Chargers in their home opener on Monday Night Football in Week 2.

The Chargers started the season out strong, handing the Kansas City Chiefs defeat in São Paulo, Brazil, ruining Patrick Mahomes‘ historic night.

Whether Bowers will be fit to feature remains uncertain, but going by his comments to the media, the injury doesn’t initially appear to be serious.

As such, and barring the results of any tests, the Raiders tight end looks to be aiming to be ready for a Week 2 return, if allowed to.

Carroll plays down Bowers’ injury

Bowers wasn’t the only one who was playing down his knee injury.

Super Bowl-winning head coach Pete Carroll didn’t seem too worried about his star, though he did stress the importance that his health was integral to the team’s success going forward.

“They’re [athletic training staff] looking at his knee,” Carroll said after the game. “He wanted to go back in, but they wouldn’t let him go back in. … He’s an incredible player, so we need to have him.“

Carroll made history on Sunday night by becoming the oldest head coach in NFL history, just eight days before he turns 74.

He joined the Raiders in the off-season after being chosen from a deep pool of candidates by owner Mark Davis and minority owner Tom Brady.

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And it appears that the team have loved having him around the organization, especially Bowers.

“It’s been awesome,” the 22-year-old said. “Coach Carroll’s the man. He brings the energy, he brings the juice and I’m really happy to have him.”

On Monday morning’s programming of Good Morning Football, NFL insider Ian Rapoport delivered the latest update on Bowers’ status.

“Brock Bowers – one of the best tight ends in football, certainly the best young tight end in football was limited yesterday with a knee injury,” he said.

“The prolific Brock Bowers, obviously a huge part of the Raiders offense was [listed as] questionable and did not return to the game.

“As my good friend Tom Pelissero noted – he was in the locker room – Brock Bowers was walking around fine post-game. That is a good sign…He didn’t seem to be getting any treatment.

“At least that is a good indication that perhaps it is not a major injury but he’s likely going to have more tests today just to determine where he is at. Obviously that is a huge, huge outcome there. He is a big time part of the Raiders offense.”

Bowers’ replacement did his job

With Bowers out of the game for the final quarter of play, Michael Mayer stepped into the lineup.

Although he was only target four times, he took advantage of his limited opportunities and had four receptions for 38 yards, averaging 9.5 yards per reception.

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Making his Raiders debut under center, Geno Smith completed 24 of his 34 pass attempts for 362 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Meanwhile, first-round rookie running back selection Ashton Jeanty had a timid debut, going for just 38 yards from 19 carries. He did, however, score the only rushing touchdown of the contest.

Performances on both sides of the ball left Bowers unsurprised following the offseason effort.

“It was fun to get back,” Bowers said. “I think just all the work we put in throughout the off season and training camp, I think it all really came together today and we were able to showcase what we can do.”

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