The Las Vegas Raiders are gearing up for a significant return this week as Brock Bowers is expected to suit up for the first time since Week 4. According to coach Pete Carroll, the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year is back at full strength and ready to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday at Allegiant Stadium.
Bowers, who has been sidelined with a knee injury, has not played since the Raiders’ loss to the Chicago Bears on September 28. However, he fully participated in the team’s practice on Wednesday, signaling a positive step toward his comeback. Despite missing several games, Bowers remains third on the Raiders in receptions (19) and receiving yards (225).
Over two seasons with the Raiders, Bowers has accumulated an impressive 131 receptions, 1,419 receiving yards, and five touchdowns. While he has yet to score a touchdown this year, his return is expected to have a profound impact on Las Vegas’ struggling offense, which currently ranks 30th in the NFL.
The Raiders (2-5) have faced a tough stretch recently, losing five of their last six games, including a brutal 31-0 defeat against the Kansas City Chiefs on October 19. However, after coming off their bye week, Bowers’ earlier-than-expected return could provide a much-needed boost.
### Brock Bowers Is “Back,” Says Coach Pete Carroll
Without Bowers, the Raiders have gone 1-2, with their only win coming against the lowly Tennessee Titans. The offense has struggled tremendously, averaging fewer than nine points per game during his absence. In two losses against the Chiefs and Indianapolis Colts, the Raiders were outscored 71-6.
The return of Bowers is a welcome development for a team that has lacked offensive firepower all season. The Raiders currently rank 31st in points per game, averaging just 19.3 points before Bowers got injured. The offense, especially the passing game, performs much better with Bowers on the field.
Las Vegas sits in last place in the AFC West and is the only team in the division with a negative point differential. They clearly need an offensive weapon to support quarterback Geno Smith. During Bowers’ absence, Smith averaged only 156 passing yards per game, threw just one touchdown, and had three interceptions. The Raiders managed only 617 total yards—an average of 205 yards per game—across three games without him.
With that context, it’s no surprise that Coach Pete Carroll is thrilled to have his All-Pro tight end back this weekend.
“He’s back,” Carroll said. “Last week, he looked good every day, particularly good on the Monday practice, and he kind of stole the show a little bit. So, we’re thrilled to have him back.”
### Brock Bowers: Excited to Return to the Field in Week 9
Bowers himself expressed excitement about returning to the field, acknowledging that the early part of the season was difficult due to not feeling 100 percent.
“The first part of the season was tough [and] not feeling 100 percent, but I’m closer now,” Bowers told the Associated Press. “It sucked, to be honest, but it’s in the past. I’m excited to get back out there.”
As the Raiders prepare to face the Jaguars, the return of Brock Bowers could be just the spark their offense needs to turn the season around.
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