Raiders Place Brock Bowers on IR, Ending Rookie TE's Season

Raiders Place Star Rookie TE Brock Bowers on Injured Reserve

The Las Vegas Raiders have suffered a significant blow to their offense, announcing that rookie tight end Brock Bowers has been placed on the Reserve/Injured list, effectively ending his 2025 season. The news was officially confirmed by the team on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, marking a premature end to what had been an impressive start for the first-round draft pick.

The Impact of Bowers' Absence

Brock Bowers, the Raiders' first-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, had quickly established himself as a key component of Las Vegas' passing attack. His ability to line up in multiple formations and create matchup nightmares made him a favorite target for quarterback Aidan O'Connell. With Bowers now sidelined for the remainder of the season, the Raiders will have to adjust their offensive approach significantly.

"Losing Brock is a tough blow for our team," said Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce during a press conference following the announcement. "He's a special talent who was just beginning to find his rhythm in the NFL. We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to having him back next year."

Timeline of the Injury

While the specific nature of Bowers' injury hasn't been fully disclosed by the team, he had been dealing with an ankle issue that had limited his participation in recent practices. The decision to place him on IR came after medical evaluations determined he would need more time to recover than was available in the remaining games of the regular season.

"This was a difficult decision, but the right one for Brock's long-term health," said Raiders general manager Tom Telesco. "We need to ensure he's fully recovered so he can contribute at the highest level next season and beyond."

Corresponding Roster Moves

In response to placing Bowers on IR, the Raiders made several roster moves to address the void at tight end. The team signed safety Terrell Edmunds and wide receiver Shedrick Jackson to the active roster. Additionally, long snapper Luke Elkin and offensive tackle Joshua Miles were added to the practice squad.

"We've brought in experienced players who can step in immediately and contribute," said Telesco. "Terrell brings veteran leadership to our secondary, and Shedrick has shown playmaking ability when given the opportunity. We'll continue to evaluate all options as we move forward."

What's Next for Brock Bowers

For Bowers, the focus now shifts to rehabilitation and preparing for the 2026 season. The rookie tight end had shown flashes of his exceptional talent throughout the season, recording 42 receptions for 485 yards and 3 touchdowns in just 12 games. His ability to run after the catch and create yards after contact made him one of the most promising young tight ends in the league.

The Raiders' Path Forward

With the Raiders currently holding a 2-13 record and eliminated from playoff contention, the remainder of the season will focus on player development and evaluation. Young players like rookie running back Ashton Jeanty and second-year quarterback Aidan O'Connell will have increased opportunities to showcase their skills as the team looks toward the future.

The loss of Bowers, however, highlights the challenges the Raiders face in building a consistent offense. As the team transitions to a new era under owner Mark Davis and general manager Tom Telesco, addressing the tight end position will be a key consideration during the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency period.

As the Raiders prepare to face the New York Giants in Week 17, the focus will be on how the offense adapts without their dynamic rookie tight end. While the immediate future is uncertain, there's no doubt that Brock Bowers will be a central figure in the Raiders' plans for 2026 and beyond.