Raiders All-Pro TE Brock Bowers is in at least some danger of missing Monday night's game against the Chargers. Bowers was not seen practicing per reports from the Raiders beat today. The team confirmed he registered a DNP (knee) in both of the teams' practices so far this week.
Bowers was spotted with a knee brace today. Also not practicing along with Bowers was G/C Jackson Powers-Johnson. Powers-Johnson carries a concussion injury designation now after not being listed on Thursday's injury report.
Raiders TE Brock Bowers missing the game would obviously be a lucky break for the Chargers entering Monday Night Football.
Not having to account for an All-Pro tight end in gameplan on Monday night would change things for the Chargers. While the Raiders still have quality at tight end with Michael Mayer, Bowers is a threat to create an explosive play every time he's on the field. In all likelihood, the Georgia product missing the game would also give the Chargers more options for how they'd be able to use Derwin James Jr.
Still, Bowers shouldn't be counted out *yet* from making an appearance on Monday night. The Raiders could conceivably still get him back in a limited practice session tomorrow. If he was to be registered as a DNP in all three practice days this week, it would certainly tip the scales towards Bowers missing the game. But, the Raiders could be prepared to take the decision down to the wire.
While RG Powers-Johnson (DNP, concussion) didn't play particularly well vs. the Patriots, the Raiders would still be down a key offensive linemen in his absence. The Chargers' pass rush is currently looking to bounce back after not getting a ton of pressure on Patrick Mahomes in Brazil. A less elusive Geno Smith behind an offensive line that's still figuring it out could certainly present a "get right" game opportunity.
LB Elandon Roberts (elbow) was upgraded to limited practice status on Friday for Las Vegas.
It's still too early for the Raiders to officially make a status decision on Bowers, but the Chargers at the very least could end up facing a less than 100% version of the Pro Bowl TE.