Las Vegas Raiders’ Latest Move Has Fans Very Worried About Brock Bowers’ Long-Term Health
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Las Vegas Raiders just opened up the checkbook for tight end Michael Mayer, but the timing is making a lot of fans scratch their heads about Brock Bowers.
Bowers will miss at least a “game or two” after undergoing meniscus trim surgery. The Raiders expect the Pro Bowl tight end to return soon. However, Mayer’s new contract has got new questions about how much time Bowers could miss.
The Raiders gave Mayer a three-year extension worth $45 million, with $30 million guaranteed, according to Ian Rapoport. Now, Mayer has a huge chance to step up while Bowers heals up.
Fans Wonder If Bowers Could Miss More Time
Mayer entered the NFL as the No. 35 overall pick in the 2023 draft. He has caught 83 passes for 788 yards and three touchdowns during his career.
The Raiders clearly see more in Mayer than just a temporary replacement. His new deal gives him a bigger role and shows the team’s confidence in his future.
The #Raiders have agreed to terms on an 3-year extension with TE Michael Mayer worth $45M with $30M guaranteed. The $15M APY ranks 4th among current TE contracts.
The deal was negotiated by Kyle McCarthy, Brian Murphy, and Cam Hahn of @athletesfirst pic.twitter.com/Mlgqyp7kyl
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 12, 2026
Still, fans connected the contract to Bowers’ injury.
“Yeah so how bad is that Bowers injury really?” one fan commented.
Yeah so how bad is that Bowers injury really?
— Buzz Lightyear (@BigKidDinner) September 12, 2026
“Bowers bout to be out for 10 weeks isn’t he?” another fan asked.
Bowers bout to be out for 10 weeks isn’t he?
— NFL Chaos (@NFLChaos) September 12, 2026
A third fan also wondered if Bowers could miss more than the expected one or two games.
“Damn, Mayer lowkey hit a big lick for a backup tight end lol. Does this mean that maybe Brock bowers is going to be out longer than the 1-2 games?” the fan wrote.
Damn, Mayer lowkey hit a big lick for a backup tight end lol. Does this mean that maybe Brock bowers is going to be out longer than the 1-2 games? 😅
— Aaron (@SaintsATX) September 12, 2026
Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak tried to calm those concerns. He said Bowers already had the procedure and expects him back soon.
“It all happened pretty quick, I don’t remember exactly what day,” Kubiak said. “But he got it cleaned up and we’ll get him back soon.”
Bowers gave the Raiders plenty of production as a rookie. He caught 112 passes for 1,194 yards. He also posted 64 catches for 680 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025 despite missing time.
For now, the Raiders expect Mayer to handle more work while Bowers recovers. The team has not indicated that Bowers will miss an extended stretch.
