The Las Vegas Raiders could head into Sin City’s Week 5 matchup shorthanded at a critical spot. Raider Nation already knows Michael Mayer is out with a concussion. That hit the tight end room hard. Now Brock Bowers has joined him on the injury list. And the updates on Bowers haven’t been encouraging.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the starting tight end’s status “has been trending down” with a knee issue. And to make matters tougher, Fox Sports Radio’s injury expert David J. Chao added, “Clearly not 100% from PCL sprain and still wearing knee brace.” For the Raiders, that doesn’t sound like a player ready to take on a heavy load.
Head coach Pete Carroll expressed optimism earlier in the week that the 21-year-old TE would play despite his knee injury and limited practice. However, after missing practice on Thursday and Friday and being seen wearing a knee brace, recent reports indicate Bowers is now trending toward not playing in Week 5 against the Colts. If that happens, Las Vegas goes into Sunday without its top two tight ends.
That leaves the Silver and Black leaning on Ian Thomas and Carter Runyon. The former, who came over after seven seasons in Carolina, is steady but not flashy. He has been more of a blocker than a pass catcher in his career. Still, he has seen the field in all four games this season.
Last week, he even started in Mayer’s absence, showing he can step in when needed.
Clearly not 100% from PCL sprain and still wearing knee brace https://t.co/N7s6O6lVvb
— David J. Chao – ProFootballDoc (@ProFootballDoc) October 5, 2025
And Runyon can be the wild card. The undrafted rookie from Towson just got signed to the 53-man roster after being elevated last week. He only played on special teams in his debut, but now he might slide into the TE2 role if Bowers sits.
To cover more ground, the Raiders also called up Albert Okwuegbunam as a game-day elevation. He hasn’t suited up since 2023, but Sunday could change that. So the question is simple, can the Raiders adjust in time, or will the Colts take full advantage?
How Raiders might play with Brock Bowers and Mayer out?
The Silver and Black are heading into Sin City with a tricky matchup. The Colts’ linebackers and secondary love to ballhawk. That’s a headache for Geno Smith, who already has a tendency to throw interceptions.
Therefore, it makes sense for Las Vegas to lean on Ashton Jeanty and the running game. Jeanty delivered big in Week 4 against Chicago with three total touchdowns, running for 138 yards on 21 carries. Clearly, the Raiders will need to pound the rock more on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the defense could be just as crucial. Even though Las Vegas allowed only 271 total yards last week, turnovers killed them in the 25-24 loss. The Colts bring a high-octane offense led by Daniel Jones, Jonathan Taylor, Tyler Warren, and Michael Pittman Jr. The Raiders will need to stay sharp, remembering what Washington did in Week 3.
Unfortunately, the Commanders ran the ball and threw for roughly 200 yards each, dominating possession. So, the Raiders will need to be smarter with the ball. Leaning on Geno Smith carries turnover risk, but it also bumps up the value for Tre Tucker and Jakobi Meyers if he can stay efficient. It’s a balancing act the Silver and Black must master.
In the end, Sunday’s matchup will test Las Vegas on multiple fronts. Running the ball effectively, protecting Geno, and keeping the defense disciplined will decide whether Raider Nation leaves Allegiant Stadium cheering or worrying about Week 5.