Reportedly headed to IR
The Raiders plan to place Bowers (knee) on IR ahead of Sunday's game against the Giants, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Bowers has been managing a knee injury since Week 1, and with the Raiders out of playoff contention, the team has evidently decided to shut down the star TE, with an eye toward him being 100 percent ahead of the 2026 season. With Bowers' placement on IR in line to occur at some point Wednesday per Pelissero, Michael Mayer is slated to lead Las Vegas' TE corps in Weeks 17 and 18, with Ian Thomas and Carter Runyon also in the mix.
More Las Vegas Raiders Fantasy Football News
Tyler Lockett
WR | LV
Logs full practice Wednesday
Lockett (wrist) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.
Michael Mayer
TE | LV
Slated for TE1 duties sans Bowers
The Raiders placed Brock Bowers (knee) on injured reserve Wednesday, which means Mayer will serve as the Raiders' No. 1 tight end for the final two games of the regular season, beginning with Sunday's game against the Giants.
Brock Bowers
TE | LV
Move to IR official
The Raiders placed Bowers (knee) on injured reserve Wednesday.
Jack Bech
WR | LV
Fills in as WR2
Bech caught two of three targets for 43 yards in Sunday's 23-21 loss to the Texans.
Tre Tucker
WR | LV
Garners six touches in loss
Tucker brought in four of five targets for 43 yards and took two carries for 11 yards in Sunday's 23-21 loss to Houston.
Geno Smith
QB | LV
Throws two TDs in Week 16 return
Smith (shoulder/back) completed 16 of 23 pass attempts for 201 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in Sunday's 23-21 loss to the Texans.
Brock Bowers
TE | LV
Nabs seventh TD in Week 16
Bowers had five receptions on as many targets for 33 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 23-21 loss to the Texans.
Ashton Jeanty
RB | LV
Overcomes tough matchup against HOU
Jeanty ran the ball 24 times for 128 yards and a touchdown while catching one of two targets for 60 yards and another score in Sunday's 23-21 loss to the Texans.
Tyler Lockett
WR | LV
Hurts wrist Sunday
Lockett exited Sunday's game against the Texans due to a wrist injury.
Geno Smith
QB | LV
Confirmed Week 16 starter
Head coach Pete Carroll confirmed Friday that Smith will start Sunday's game against the Texans, Ryan McFadden of ESPN.com reports.