The big question for Las Vegas Raiders fans this weekend is clear: is Brock Bowers playing Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts? As of October 5, 2025, all signs point to the star rookie tight end not taking the field this Sunday, with his injury status remaining officially listed as “questionable” but trending toward inactive.
Table of Contents
Brock Bowers Listed as Questionable for Week 5
Bowers has been battling a lingering knee injury since Week 1, and this week’s practice schedule painted a clear picture of his condition:
- Wednesday: Limited participation
- Thursday: Did not practice
- Friday: Did not practice again
By Saturday, reports around the team indicated that the 2025 first-round pick was unlikely to suit up against the Colts. The Raiders have not made an official final call yet, but their typical protocol suggests that a player who misses back-to-back late-week practices rarely plays that Sunday.
Inside Bowers’ Knee Issue
The injury stems from a hit he took in the season opener, which resulted in a PCL sprain and bone bruise. While he initially tried to play through it, the injury has clearly affected his mobility and explosiveness. His production has dropped week by week:
- Week 1: 8 catches, 103 yards
- Week 2–4 combined: No single game above 46 yards, no touchdowns
The coaching staff has been cautious not to risk aggravating the injury further, especially with Bowers being a long-term offensive cornerstone for the franchise.
Impact on the Raiders’ Offense
Tight End Depth Is Thin
The timing of Bowers’ injury couldn’t be worse. Backup tight end Michael Mayer is also dealing with a concussion and may not be cleared in time for Week 5. If both players are unavailable, the Raiders will rely on a combination of Ian Thomas, Carter Runyon, and Albert Okwuegbunam to handle tight end duties.
None of these backups bring Bowers’ dynamic skill set, so the offensive game plan will likely shift.
Offensive Adjustments Expected
Without Bowers, expect the Raiders to lean more heavily on their wide receivers. Jakobi Meyers could see a significant uptick in targets, and Tre Tucker might play a bigger role in the short and intermediate passing game. Running backs may also be more involved as check-down options, helping to maintain offensive balance.
Fantasy Football and Betting Implications
Bowers was drafted in nearly every fantasy league this season and has been a popular weekly starter. His expected absence in Week 5 will leave many fantasy managers scrambling for last-minute replacements.
From a betting standpoint, his potential inactivity impacts both prop markets and overall offensive projections for the Raiders. If he is ruled out, expect sportsbooks to adjust receiving yard and touchdown lines downward for the tight end position.
Final Outlook Ahead of Sunday
With no improvement in his knee through the week and consecutive missed practices, it appears very unlikely that Brock Bowers will play in Week 5. The official game status will be confirmed roughly 90 minutes before kickoff when the inactive list is released. Unless there’s a last-minute surprise, fans should prepare for a Raiders offense without their standout rookie tight end.
If you’re following this matchup closely, keep an eye on the pregame inactive list — it will give the final answer.
Bowers’ absence will test the Raiders’ offensive depth and could shape the outcome of this important Week 5 clash.