Brock Bowers: Is Out | Is Playing | What Happened To Him | Injury Update (2025 NFL Season)

In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, Bailey “Brock” Bowers has emerged as one of the most electrifying tight ends — but the 2025 season took an unexpected turn. With his Las Vegas Raiders struggling and playoff hopes dwindling, the status of their star tight end has become a major talking point. Fans and analysts alike are asking: Is Brock Bowers out? Is he playing? What happened to him? What’s his injury update?

This article breaks down the latest news, medical situation, timeline of his injury, impact on the Raiders, and what’s next for one of the NFL’s brightest young stars.

Who Is Brock Bowers?

Before diving into the current injury news, it’s important to understand why Brock Bowers is such a big deal.

• Position: Tight End

• Team: Las Vegas Raiders

• Draft: 2024 — 1st Round, 13th Pick

• College: University of Georgia

• Career Highlights:

  • 2× Pro Bowl (2024, 2025)

  • First-team All-Pro (2024)

  • NFL record: Most receptions by a tight end in a rookie season

Bowers burst onto the scene in 2024 as an impactful playmaker, redefining expectations for his position. In his rookie season, he led his team in receptions, yards, and became one of the youngest Elite tight ends in the league. 

What Happened To Brock Bowers?

In the 2025 season opener against the New England Patriots, Brock Bowers suffered a knee injury while making a big play early in the game. Immediately, his absence was felt by Raiders fans and coaches alike. 

Nature of the Injury

After an initial knee scare, further evaluation revealed that Bowers was battling:

• A posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury

• A bone bruise in his left knee

These injuries — though not as dramatic as an ACL tear — significantly impacted his mobility and effectiveness. 

Initially, Bowers attempted to play through the discomfort, returning to action and even posting notable performances. However, the persistent nature of the injury eventually limited his effectiveness.

 Timeline: From Injury to Season-Ending IR

Here’s an overview of how Brock Bowers’ 2025 injury unfolded:

Week 1: Injury Sustained

Bowers exited the season opener early after a knee injury. Weeks afterward, reports suggested he was still nursing the issue and being managed carefully. 

Midseason Struggles & Missed Games

As the season wore on, he missed multiple games due to the ongoing knee issue. Even when active, his effectiveness was sometimes muted compared to his rookie impact.

Week 9 Return

He returned from misses and posted impressive stats in some games, reminding everyone how dynamic he can be when healthy. 

December 24, 2025: Season Officially Over

The Raiders officially placed Brock Bowers on season-ending injured reserve (IR) due to the lingering knee injury, therefore ending his 2025 campaign with two games still remaining. 

Is Brock Bowers Out?

Yes — Brock Bowers is out for the remainder of the 2025 NFL season.

The Las Vegas Raiders announced that they have placed their Pro Bowl tight end on injured reserve due to knee issues that persisted throughout the season. With this move, his campaign is over as the team looks ahead to 2026. 

This decision was seen as a way to prioritize his long-term health, especially with the Raiders out of playoff contention. It also helps the team evaluate other young receivers and tight ends going forward. 

Was Brock Bowers Playing Before This Update?

Earlier in the season, Bowers was active in games after returning from missed weeks, and he showed flashes of dominance:

• He produced 64 receptions for 680 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns despite missing games. 

• He remained a top target for quarterback Geno Smith on multiple occasions.

However, his play was not consistent enough to overcome or fully heal the injury — and the Raiders ultimately chose to shut him down. 

What Does This Mean for Brock Bowers’ Career?

Though the injury ended his 2025 season prematurely, Brock Bowers is still considered one of the most talented tight ends in the league.

His career trajectory remains strong:

• Multiple Pro Bowl selections

• Second-year production among the best ever for a TE in league history

• Record production as a rookie

Being placed on IR now likely sets him up to fully recover in the offseason, with significant expectations for the 2026 campaign.

Impact On the Raiders

Bowers’ absence is a major blow to the Raiders’ offense:

• Las Vegas has already struggled through a 2-13 season that included a nine-game losing streak.

• Without one of the team’s best weapons, their passing attack loses production and leadership.

• The Raiders are considering roster shifts to compensate for his absence, including giving more reps to backup tight ends and receivers. 

However, placing him on IR also signals a long-term focus on recovery and roster evaluation, especially with draft implications and upcoming free agency.

What’s Next for Brock Bowers?

Here’s what’s most likely for Bowers’ future:

Offseason Recovery

Expect Bowers to focus on full rehabilitation of his knee to be ready for 2026 training camp.

High Expectations

Given his talent and past production, he’ll still be a focal point of the Raiders’ offense when healthy.

Franchise Cornerstone

Despite the injury, Bowers is viewed as a franchise cornerstone moving forward — not a player whose career is derailed. 

Quick Injury Snapshot

Fan & Media Reaction

Fans and analysts have largely debated the move:

• Some believe the Raiders made the right call to protect his future.

• Others think that placing him on IR hints at a broader “tank strategy” given the team’s position. 

Despite mixed reactions, most agree that Bowers’ future remains bright when fully healthy.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Is Brock Bowers playing today?

No, Brock Bowers is not playing the rest of the 2025 season. He was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury. 

2. Why is Brock Bowers out?

Bowers is out because of a knee injury (PCL injury and bone bruise) that he struggled with all season, ultimately prompting the Raiders to shut him down to recover. 

3. When did Bowers get injured?

He initially hurt his knee in Week 1 of the 2025 season and battled the injury throughout the year. 

4. What is the outlook for his recovery?

The expectation is that Bowers will have a full offseason to heal and be ready for 2026 training camp, barring any setbacks.

5. Who replaces Brock Bowers in the Raiders’ offense?

With Bowers out, the Raiders may increase snaps for backup tight ends or wide receivers to fill his offensive role. 

6. Has he been successful despite the injury?

Yes. Even with missed games, Bowers led the team in receiving and was named to the Pro Bowl again in 2025. 

Final Thoughts

Brock Bowers’ injury — and subsequent placement on season-ending injured reserve — is undeniably a major development for the Las Vegas Raiders. While it marks a disappointing end to his 2025 season, his career remains on track, and his future potential is unchanged.

Whether he returns better than ever in 2026 or continues rewriting the record books as one of the NFL’s best tight ends, Bowers’ star power is undeniable.