The Las Vegas Raiders could get even more dangerous in Week 3.
Las Vegas tight end Brock Bowers is on the verge of making his 2026 NFL season debut when the Raiders take on the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.
“How much more dynamic can this Las Vegas Raiders offense be with one of the best players in the NFL, regardless of position. A nightmare for defenses. A handful for [Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley]. Expect Brock Bowers back on Sunday,” Rapoport said.
Bowers had a meniscus trim procedure in his left knee just before the season began, causing him to miss two games. He has not played since Dec. 21, 2025, as he dealt with a PCL sprain and bone bruise last season.
Even without Bowers in the first two weeks, the Raiders managed to go 2-0. They beat the Miami Dolphins 27-13 in Week 1 and outlasted the Los Angeles Chargers 26-14 in Week 2.
In both games, Las Vegas started tight end Michael Mayer, who has 55 receiving yards on nine receptions and 11 targets. Mayer hasn’t been bad, but Bowers’ expected return will give the tight end position (and the Raiders offense, for that matter) a big shot in the arm.
The former Georgia Bulldogs star Bowers led the Raiders with seven touchdowns in 2025, while recording 680 receiving yards in 12 games.
