Raiders' Brock Bowers returns to full speed, ready to produce against Jaguars

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) catches a pass during the second half of an NFL football game gainst the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025. Photo by: Steve Marcus

The only time this season the Raiders' offense looked at least somewhat formidable was in their opening 20-13 victory at New England.

Brock Bowers, arguably the NFL's top tight end, entered his second season by catching five passes for 103 yards. It also was in that game that he injured a knee. That greatly limited his impact the following three weeks before he briefly shut it down to recover more fully.

Now, Bowers is back, and Las Vegas is hopeful this is the version capable of dominating an opponent when the Jacksonville Jaguars visit Sunday, especially after a bye week that provided extra time to heal.

“He looks like he’s full speed and he’s back,” Raiders coach Pete Carroll said. “Last week with the three days that we had, he looked good every day, particularly good on the Monday practice. He kind of stole the show a little bit, so we’re thrilled to have him back.”

The Raiders (2-5) need the playmaking ability Bowers provides. Geno Smith passed for 362 yards that day against the Patriots but hasn't topped 300 since and hasn't even eclipsed 200 in the past four games.

Whether Bowers solves Las Vegas' passing woes remains to be seen, but he is eager to try.

“It sucked,” he said of not playing. “We're through it now. It's in the past, so I'm excited to go back out there.”

Bowers' return isn't exactly great timing for the Jaguars (4-3), who are coming off back-to-back losses. Jacksonville also had a bye to try to get its season heading in the right direction.

“He’s a great tight end," said Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker, who played with Bowers at Georgia. “You can go turn on the tape and see that. I think he’s one of the best tight ends in the league.”