The New York Giants game against the Las Vegas Raiders just got a lot easier.
The Raiders placed star tight end Brock Bowers on the injured reserve Wednesday, ending his season. Bowers is, easily, the Raiders’ most dangerous weapon on offense and one of the best receiving weapons at any position in the NFL.
The second year tight end set the record for receptions by a rookie in 2025 with 112, breaking Puka Nacua’s record of 105 set in 2024. He also set the record for receiving yards by a tight end with 1,194 on the season, breaking the previous record of 1,076 yards set by Mike Ditka back in 1961.
Bowers earned First-Team All-Pro honors as well as a trip to the Pro Bowl last year, but has struggled with with knee injuries all year with a sprained PCL and a bone bruise. Even injured, Bowers presented a significant threat to the Giants’ defense, considering the state of their linebacking corps.
On one hand, the Raiders already anemic offense is significantly less threatening without Bowers, making a win that much more likely for the Giants. On the other hand, the first overall pick (and potentially significant draft capital) is on the line this game.
Losing Bowers likely makes getting the first pick — and their choice of quarterbacks — that much easier for the Raiders while also likely depriving the Giants of much-needed trade opportunities if they should win the game.
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