Brock Bowers ruled inactive as Raiders face Colts on Oct. 5

When Brock Bowers, tight end for Las Vegas Raiders was ruled inactive for Sunday’s showdown against the Indianapolis Colts, the league’s 22‑year‑old rising star added another unwelcome line to his injury list. The decision, announced on the morning of October 5, 2025, came after Bowers missed two full practices with a torn posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and a bone bruise in his left knee – damage he suffered during the Raiders’ season‑opening 27‑24 win over the New England Patriots on September 8.

Background on Brock Bowers

Drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, Bowers burst onto the league with a rookie campaign that most analysts still talk about as one of the most productive for a tight end in recent memory. He finished that season with 112 receptions, 1,194 yards and five touchdowns, earning an All‑Pro nod that is rarely bestowed on a first‑year player at his position.

Fast‑forward a year, and the 2025 season has been a roller‑coaster. In the four games he’s played so far, Bowers has hauled in 19 catches for 225 yards – modest numbers compared to his debut, yet still enough to keep him near the top of the Raiders’ receiving leaderboard, trailing only wide‑out Jakobi Meyers in both catches and yards.

Injury Details and Recovery Outlook

The PCL injury, while not as headline‑grabbing as an ACL tear, can sideline a player for anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months, depending on severity. Add a bone bruise to the mix, and the recovery timeline becomes murkier. Team medical staff have labeled Bowers as “week‑to‑week,” meaning he could return anytime after the loss of a few practice sessions, but there’s no firm date yet.

"We’re monitoring his progress daily," said John Gruden, the Raiders’ head coach, during a brief press conference. "The priority is his long‑term health, not rushing him back for a single game."

For context, a PCL sprain typically heals faster than an ACL tear because the ligament isn’t the primary stabilizer of the knee. However, the accompanying bone bruise can cause lingering pain, especially for a player like Bowers who relies heavily on quick cuts and contested catches downfield.

Raiders’ Offensive Situation Without Bowers

Los Angeles — oops, Las Vegas — Raiders fans know the team’s passing attack has struggled to find consistency this season. The Raiders sit at 1‑3, while the Colts enjoy a 3‑1 record, and the absence of Bowers only widens that gap.

• Michael Mayer – another promising tight end on the inactive list.
• Germaine Pratt – linebacker dealing with a hamstring strain.
• Caleb Rogers – guard sidelined with a rib injury.
• Leki Fotu – defensive lineman out for a concussion.
• Eric Stokes – cornerback nursing a shoulder sprain.

Without Bowers, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (assuming he’s still the starter) must rely more heavily on the wide‑receiver corps and the short‑yardage game of the remaining tight ends. Analysts predict the Raiders will lean on quick slant routes to the slot and increased use of Zay Jones to stretch the field.

"We have the talent, but the chemistry isn’t there yet," noted Mike Mayock, a former NFL analyst turned scout for the Raiders. "Losing Brock for even a week forces you to re‑engineer the play‑calling, and at this stage of the season that can be a big handicap."

Colts’ Own Injury List and Game Preview

On the opposite sideline, the Colts are not without their own setbacks. Their inactive roster for the game includes:

• Alec Pierce
• Kenny Moore
• Tyler Goodson
• Buddy Johnson
• Luke Tenuta
• Eric Johnson
• Riley Leonard

Despite these absences, the Colts still have a potent offense led by quarterback Anthony Richardson, who has already thrown for 310 yards and two touchdowns in three games. Their defense, anchored by stand‑out linebacker Jassen Cull, has generated eight sacks and three interceptions so far.

The matchup is expected to be a test of depth. While the Raiders are reeling from injuries, the Colts have a slightly healthier roster and the momentum of a winning record.

Implications for the Rest of the Season

If Bowers’ recovery stalls, the Raiders could find themselves scrambling for a reliable pass‑catching tight end for the remainder of the year. That scenario would likely force the team to explore trade options or elevate a practice‑squad player, potentially altering their draft strategy for 2026.

Conversely, a swift return could rejuvenate the Raiders’ offense just in time for a critical divisional stretch in November. The team’s next four games include matchups against the Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Chargers – both of which feature tight ends who could exploit the Raiders’ weakened slot.

Overall, the weekend’s game is more than a single win‑loss column; it’s a barometer for how resilient the Raiders’ roster will be when star talent is sidelined. As the NFL season progresses, the capacity to adapt to injuries often separates playoff contenders from teams that fade into the background.