Raiders’ Brock Bowers hits huge milestone in injury return vs. Jaguars
After missing three games due to a knee injury, Brock Bowers returned to the field in the Raiders' 34-31 overtime loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, marking a remarkable milestone that shows just how much he’s overcome.
The Big Return and Milestone
Bowers didn’t just return — he exploded back onto the scene. In his first game back, he finished with 12 receptions, 127 yards, and three touchdowns
What’s even more impressive is that Bowers achieved 22 consecutive games with at least two receptions, the longest such streak for a tight end to begin a career in NFL history.
“It feels great to be back out there,” Bowers said after the game. “I’ve worked so hard to get to this point. It was a long road, but I knew when I came back, I had to make an impact. I wanted to show my team that I’m ready to help lead us forward.”
A Strong Performance Despite the Loss
Although the Raiders lost in overtime, Bowers' return injected energy into the offense. His performance was a bright spot in a game that saw multiple missed opportunities and a failed two‑point conversion attempt that ultimately sealed their fate. Still, Bowers’ ability to shake off rust and dominate the field is a testament to his elite skill set.
“I had to shake off some of the rust, but I felt like I picked up right where I left off,” Bowers said about his return. “I’m just here to do whatever I can to help this team get where we need to go.”
Impact on the Raiders
Bowers’ return is a major boost for the Raiders, especially at a time when the offense has struggled to find consistency. With Geno Smith leading the offense, having a weapon like Bowers—who is a reliable target and a major red‑zone threat—is crucial for the team moving forward.
“Brock’s the kind of guy that can change a game,” Smith said after the game. “I’m glad he’s back. He has a unique ability to make big plays when we need them, and he’s the type of guy you want on your side in tough games.”
Looking Forward
While the Raiders are facing challenges this season, Bowers’ return gives them a renewed sense of hope. With his milestones achieved in just his second season and his resilience through injury, the Raiders are hoping to rally behind him to turn things around in the coming weeks.
“This is just the start. There’s a lot of season left, and I’m ready to keep pushing, keep making plays, and help this team reach our goals,” Bowers concluded.
Bowers’ determination and leadership will be key for the Raiders as they fight to stay competitive in the tough AFC West. His performance on Sunday not only showcased his talent but reaffirmed that he is a cornerstone of the Raiders’ future.
Lakers Guard Fires Back After Luka Dončić Calls Him ‘Stupid’
Austin Reaves fired back at Luka Dončić with humor after the Los Angeles Lakers superstar called him “stupid” for predicting he could average 40 points per game this season.
“He’s an idiot,” Reaves said with a grin after the Lakers’ 130–120 win over the Miami Heat on Sunday. “I don’t know what he did yesterday, but he was in a really good mood today, joking around, having a good time. I guess he’s a big football fan because he sits over there and watches the Chiefs–Bills game for a long time. He’s a
On Saturday, Dončić dismissed Reaves’ bold claim that he could average 40 per game this year with a sharp and hilarious one-liner.
“Austin’s stupid,” Dončić said
The friendly back-and-forth quickly went viral — a moment of levity amid a red-hot start to the Lakers’ season that has them looking like one of the NBA’s most balanced teams despite
Dončić’s Historic Start Breaks Lakers Records
Dončić backed up his teammate’s boldness with another statistical explosion. He posted 44 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists in his return from a three-game absence in Friday’s 117–112 win over the
On Sunday, the Heat limited him to 29 points, but Dončić still notched his first triple-double of the year with 11 rebounds and 10 assists as Los Angeles extended its winning streak to three games.
According to NBA.com/Stats, Dončić’s 165 points through four games are the most ever by a Laker to begin a season:
| Player | Season | Points (First 4 Games) |
|---|---|---|
| Luka Dončić | 2025–26 |
165 |
| Jerry West | 1969–70 | 154 |
| Kobe Bryant | 2005–06 | 146 |
Dončić also became the first Laker since Elgin Baylor to average more than 40 points per game over his first four contests. His current line — 41.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 8.3 assists — has him in early MVP conversation and has reenergized a Lakers team searching for a new identity under head coach
Reaves Nearly Matching Luka’s Scoring Pace
Getty Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to his basket with Austin Reaves in the second half against the New York Knicks
While Dončić has captured most of the headlines, Reaves has been nearly as explosive. The 26-year-old guard has scored 143 points through four games, ranking fourth in Lakers franchise history behind Dončić, Jerry West, and Kobe Bryant.
Reaves added 26 points and 11 assists in Sunday’s win over Miami, pushing his season totals to 265 points and 65 assists through seven games. His growing chemistry with Dončić has been central to the Lakers’ 5–2 start and their newfound offensive rhythm under Redick.
“He’s just getting comfortable, having a good time,” Reaves said of Dončić. “Nobody ever thought that [trade] was going to happen, so I’m sure he was in a state of shock and couldn’t believe it, having to move his family. But yeah, he acts like a kid. You know, he needs to grow up at some point.”
From Dallas Departure to Hollywood Rebirth
Dončić’s resurgence follows a difficult end to his tenure in Dallas, where fatigue and a lingering calf injury hampered his performance. After revamping his conditioning and nutrition this offseason, the Slovenian star is off to one of the most dominant starts in
Now signed to a three-year, $165 million deal, Dončić is firmly entrenched as the new face of the Lakers while Reaves’ evolution into a high-scoring, playmaking co-star gives Los Angeles a dynamic backcourt duo that’s flourishing even without James.
