Las Vegas Raiders superstar tight end Brock Bowers may be making a key step back toward the playing field. According to multiple media reports, Bowers was seen on the practice field as the team started its final work day before playing at the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
It is the first time Bowers has hit the practice field since having knee surgery 10 days ago. He missed the first two days of this practice week. Still, he is likely not going to play against the Chargers. Las Vegas head coach Klint Kubiak said Friday that Bowers is doubtful to play Sunday. He will work out prior to the game, but would need to make a lot of progress to be cleared. Kubiak said he is optimistic Bowers will play at the New Orleans Saints on September 27.
Michael Mayer will start for Bowers at the Chargers if he can’t play. Mayer had six catches for 32 yards in Week 1.
Meanwhile, starting cornerback Darien Porter remained out of practice Friday and was ruled out of the Chargers’ game. He missed the entire week of practice. Kubiak said Wednesday Porter was day-to-day like Bowers. Porter left the Miami game, a 27-13 Las Vegas win, late in the fourth quarter with a foot injury. Rookie Zeke Masses played the final 10 plays of the game for Porter. Masses will likely start Sunday. Perhaps rookie Jermod McCoy will debut Sunday. He was active last week, but didn’t play.
Also, No. 3 quarterback Aidan O’Connell was not seen on the practice field Friday. He has missed the past two days for personal reasons and his return is to be determined. He is not expected to be at Sunday’s game.
Meanwhile, Chargers’ receiver Ladd McConkey practiced Friday for the first time this week because of a ribs injury.
