Who Is Brock Bowers?
Brock Bowers is a Pro Bowl tight end for the Las Vegas Raiders, recognized as one of the NFL’s top young playmakers at his position. After a decorated college career as a multi-time All-American tight end, he entered the league with high expectations and quickly exceeded them.
As a rookie, Bowers delivered a historic season, breaking Mike Ditka’s long-standing record for receiving yards by a rookie tight end and setting a rookie record for receptions at any position.[1] His combination of speed, yards-after-catch ability and route running made him the focal point of the Raiders’ passing attack almost immediately.
Season-Ending IR Move and Knee Injury
In a significant late-season development, the Raiders have placed Bowers on season-ending injured reserve, ending his 2025 campaign with two games left to play.[1][3] The move follows a knee injury he has been dealing with since Week 1, when he suffered a posterior cruciate ligament injury and bone bruise in his left knee in the season-opening win over the New England Patriots.[3]
Bowers attempted to play through the injury, appearing in games while battling discomfort and then missing several contests in the middle of the season to allow for partial recovery.[3] Even with the setback, he finished the year leading the team in receptions (64), receiving yards (680) and receiving touchdowns (7), and he earned his second straight Pro Bowl nod.[3][1]
Impact on Raiders and His Record Chase
The decision to shut Bowers down has both strategic and historical consequences. From a team perspective, the Raiders have struggled throughout the season and enter their upcoming game against the New York Giants with a 2–13 record, positioning them in the race for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.[1][3] Losing their top pass catcher further limits an offense already under pressure, but also helps ensure that Bowers will not risk aggravating his knee in games with little postseason meaning.
Historically, the IR move halts Bowers’ pursuit of an early-career milestone. He needed at least 107 more receiving yards this season to surpass Mike Ditka for the most receiving yards by a tight end in his first two NFL seasons.[3] By ending his year now, the Raiders prioritize his long-term health over the chance at a notable record, signaling that they view Bowers as a cornerstone for their future rather than just a short-term producer.