Brock Bowers Meniscus Injury: What Happened, Meniscus Trim and How Long He’ll Be Out

Brock Bowers is dealing with another knee issue just as the Las Vegas Raiders are preparing to open the 2026 NFL season. The star tight end underwent a meniscus trim in Dallas this week and is expected to miss at least the season opener against the Miami Dolphins.

Here is the latest on the Brock Bowers meniscus injury, what happened and how long he is expected to be out.

Brock Bowers Meniscus Injury: What Happened?

Bowers suffered the knee injury during training camp, but the meniscus problem was not diagnosed until last week. According to reports, the Raiders then scheduled a procedure to address the issue.

The timing is particularly notable because Bowers was expected to enter the 2026 season as one of the Raiders’ most important offensive players.

After further evaluation, Bowers underwent a meniscus trim on Tuesday in Dallas. NFL Network and ESPN reported that the procedure was performed by Dr. Daniel Cooper.

What Is a Meniscus Trim?

A meniscus trim is a knee procedure in which damaged or problematic portions of the meniscus are removed. The goal is to address the damaged tissue while allowing the athlete to recover and return to activity.

For Bowers, the procedure is not currently being described as a season-ending injury. Reports indicate that the Raiders expect him to return relatively soon.

How Long Will Brock Bowers Be Out?

The latest reports suggest Bowers is expected to miss one or two games.

NFL Network reported that Bowers is expected to miss “a game or two” following the meniscus trim.

The Associated Press, meanwhile, reported that a source familiar with the procedure expects Bowers to return in one to two weeks.

That means Bowers will miss the Raiders’ Week 1 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. He could also miss Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers, although his exact return date will depend on his recovery.

Is Brock Bowers Out for the Season?

No. Brock Bowers is not currently expected to miss the entire 2026 season.

The reports surrounding his meniscus trim point toward a short-term absence rather than a season-ending injury. The current expectation is that he will miss approximately one or two games.

However, the Raiders will likely be cautious with their star tight end, particularly because he dealt with another knee problem during the 2025 season.

Brock Bowers’ Previous Knee Injury

Bowers also had knee trouble during the 2025 campaign. He dealt with a PCL injury and bone bruise after the season opener and missed several games.

He eventually finished the 2025 season with 64 receptions for 680 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games.

The latest meniscus issue therefore represents another setback involving the same general area, although current reports indicate that this injury should not keep him out for an extended period.

When Could Brock Bowers Return?

If the current one-to-two-week timeline holds, Bowers could potentially return during the opening weeks of the regular season.

The Raiders play the Dolphins in Week 1 before traveling to face the Chargers in Week 2. A possible return could come in Week 2 or Week 3, depending on his rehabilitation and medical clearance. CBS Sports reported that Week 3 against the New Orleans Saints could be a possible target if he misses the first two games.

For now, there is no official confirmation of an exact return date.

Who Will Replace Brock Bowers?

With Bowers unavailable, the Raiders can turn to Michael Mayer and Ian Thomas at tight end.

Mayer is expected to take on a larger role while Bowers recovers. The Raiders have also used two-tight-end formations heavily, making Bowers’ absence significant for the team’s offensive plans.

Bowers’ receiving ability makes him difficult to replace, especially after his record-setting rookie season.

Brock Bowers’ NFL Career So Far

The Raiders selected Bowers with the 13th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft after his outstanding career at Georgia.

He immediately established himself as one of the NFL’s best young tight ends. As a rookie, Bowers recorded:

His rookie performance earned him First-Team All-Pro honors.

That production explains why his availability is so important to the Raiders heading into 2026.

Brock Bowers Injury Update

The latest Brock Bowers injury update is relatively encouraging despite the timing.

He underwent a meniscus trim after an injury suffered during training camp. The procedure was completed in Dallas, and current reports indicate that he should miss only one or two games rather than a significant portion of the season.

The Raiders will now monitor his recovery before determining when he can safely return to game action.

Final Verdict

Brock Bowers is out for the Raiders’ Week 1 game against the Dolphins after undergoing a meniscus trim. Current reports expect him to miss roughly one or two games, with a return potentially coming within the first few weeks of the 2026 season.

The injury is another concern for Bowers after his knee problems last season, but there is currently no indication that the meniscus procedure will end his 2026 campaign.

FAQs

What happened to Brock Bowers?
Bowers suffered a knee injury during training camp that was later diagnosed as a meniscus issue. He underwent a meniscus trim in Dallas.

Did Brock Bowers have meniscus surgery?
Yes. Reports say Bowers underwent a meniscus trim on Tuesday in Dallas.

How long will Brock Bowers be out?
He is currently expected to miss one or two games, although the exact timeline could change based on his recovery.

Is Brock Bowers out for the season?
No. Current reports do not indicate that the injury is season-ending.

Will Brock Bowers play Week 1?
No. Bowers is expected to miss the Raiders’ Week 1 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.

Could Brock Bowers play in Week 2?
It is possible, but there is no confirmed return date. Reports suggest he could miss one or two games.

What is a meniscus trim?
It is a knee procedure that removes damaged or problematic meniscus tissue to address the injury and help the athlete recover.