Raiders tight end Brock Bowers will miss at least one game after undergoing a procedure on his knee due to a training camp injury.

The procedure was described by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport as a “meniscus trim” performed by Dr. Daniel Cooper, a renowned knee expert and the Cowboys’ team physician. Those words will still worry Raiders fans and Bowers’ fantasy owners alike, but the All-Pro tight end is only expected to miss “a game or two,” per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

2023 second-round pick Michael Mayer was already tabbed for a sizable role in a Klint Kubiak scheme that frequently featured multiple tight ends. But with Bowers vacating his massive target share in Week 1, Mayer should see plenty of opportunities in the passing game. Veteran Ian Thomas will step in as the No. 2 tight end, and Chris Myarick will likely be elevated from the practice squad to serve as an extra blocker when needed.

Bowers, 23, is taking a different approach this year after initially attempting to play through a Week 1 knee injury in 2025. His production dropped below his usual standards in the next three games, leading to a three-game absence with avoid aggravating the injury. Bowers returned after the Raiders’ bye week with arguably the best game of his career, catching 12 of his 13 targets for 127 yards and three touchdowns. But he still did not seem to be back at 100% for the rest of the season, which was effectively confirmed by his placement on injured reserve in Week 17.

This time around, Bowers decided to address the issue early and prioritize his durability over the course of the season instead of staying on the field for as long as possible. The team no doubt prefers to protect their young asset’s health, too; Bowers is eligible for a long-term extension next offseason that will almost certainly make him the highest-paid tight end in league history.