Sources: Raiders set for TE Bowers to return vs. Saints

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers is expected to play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, barring a surprise, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Coach Klint Kubiak said this week that he was optimistic about Bowers' return, and the Raiders did not elevate a tight end for game day like in previous weeks.

Bowers, who is listed as questionable with a knee injury, missed the first two weeks of the regular season after undergoing a meniscus trim procedure Sept. 8. He practiced on a limited basis Wednesday and Thursday this week before missing Friday's practice, which Kubiak said was planned.

He has missed multiple games due to a knee injury for the second straight year. He suffered a posterior cruciate ligament injury and bone bruise in his left knee in the 2025 season opener against the New England Patriots, played three games with the injury and had to sit out for three games to return to full strength.

With Bowers out to start this season, Michael Mayer has been the top Raiders' top tight end for the first two weeks, catching nine passes for 55 yards.

Bowers, considered one of the best tight ends in the NFL, has caught 176 passes for 1,874 yards and 12 touchdowns over his first two seasons.