Raiders TE Brock Bowers is expected to miss "a game or two" after having his meniscus trimmed on Tuesday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. Bowers got banged up “a little in camp” and the injury was diagnosed last week, Schefter adds.
2026 Fantasy Football Impact
Brutal timing for Bowers owners with the Raiders' opener just a few days away. Not only will he miss a game or two, but we also have to wonder about his longer-term outlook after a PCL injury impacted his 2025. It's unclear if this latest issue is related or even with the same knee, but it'll certainly be something to keep a close eye on.
Bowers' absence opens up a huge target void in Vegas, and TE Michael Mayer might be the best bet to fill it. In four games without Bowers last year, Mayer averaged:
- 6.0 targets
- 4.5 catches
- 49.0 yards
- 0.25 TDs
He finished as a top six fantasy TE in two of those four games.
Mayer is a viable spot starter for as long as Bowers is out, especially in this Sunday's plus matchup against the Dolphins.
WRs Tre Tucker, Jalen Nailor, and Jack Bech will also find more targets available with Bowers out, although we expect the Raiders to lean on the run.
