Brock Bowers Doubtful for Chargers Game

Las Vegas Raiders star tight end Brock Bowers is doubtful for Sunday's divisional trip to the Los Angeles Chargers, even after returning to practice Friday for the first time since his knee procedure. Coach Klint Kubiak told reporters the club will work Bowers out before kickoff, but the official Friday injury report still stamps him doubtful after the meniscus clean-up that cost him Week 1.

ESPN's Ryan McFadden and The Athletic's Sam Warren (via NFL.com) both detailed the same board: Bowers practiced in a left-knee sleeve, moved around well, and even warmed up alongside Maxx Crosby, who is also working back from knee surgery. Kubiak remains optimistic about a Week 3 return against New Orleans if Sunday does not clear.

The procedure itself landed around Sept. 8 after a training-camp bang that was diagnosed last week. Bowers had already missed five straight practices plus the Week 1 win over Miami. Kubiak has said all week the Raiders will be smart and listen to the trainers, including wellness coordinator Alex Guerrero, before pushing the star back onto the field.

Mayer holds the TE1 lane

Without Bowers in Week 1, Las Vegas leaned on the run game and fed Michael Mayer seven targets (six catches, 32 yards). Ashton Jeanty and Mike Washington Jr. accounted for 188 of the Raiders' 290 total yards, and Jeanty scored two of the three touchdowns. Fantasy desks already treating Mayer as a locked TE1 should keep him there until Bowers actually clears a pregame workout and sticks on an active list.

Kubiak also ruled cornerback Darien Porter (foot) out for the Chargers game after Porter missed every practice this week. Rookies Hezekiah Masses and Jermod McCoy are the names next in line. Quarterback Aidan O'Connell missed Thursday and Friday for a family matter and may not even travel, leaving the Raiders thin at emergency QB.

SoFi at 4:05

Kickoff is 4:05 p.m. ET Sunday at SoFi Stadium. Bowers' presence would change the entire middle of the Raiders offense. Until that pregame workout says otherwise, expect Mayer, Jeanty, and the backs to carry the middle-of-the-field load again.

Bowers' last Year 2 Chargers memory included playing through a PCL and bone bruise. This year the club is choosing the cautious stamp. Doubtful Friday usually means inactive Sunday unless the pregame workout is a miracle.

Friday practice was progress. Doubtful still means Sunday is a long shot.