Raiders Get Blunt Words After Brock Bowers Injury Announcement
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (knee) has been ruled out for the second straight week and will miss Sunday’s Week 6 matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
Without Bowers, the Raiders’ passing game takes a hit, which they have
Now that Bowers is out for a second straight week, former Raiders offensive lineman Lincoln Kennedy outlined what the game plan should be against the Titans as he made a surprising admission.
“I still think you can open it up [the passing game],” Kennedy said on the latest episode of “The Silver and Black Show.” “You’ve got other playmakers who can [find a way to] get the football. But I think at this particular point, because they’re struggling in all three phases, it’s a coaching point where you go back to the basics. Let’s get back to what makes us work on all phases of the ball — offense, defense, and special teams — and [focus on executing] from there.
“The Raiders are going up this weekend against the Tennessee Titans. I wouldn’t necessarily call them a great team, but the Raiders have had their fair share of struggles too. I’m sure Tennessee is probably saying the same thing about Las Vegas. They’ve just got to get back to basics, put some confidence out there by winning football games, scoring touchdowns, and taking it one game at a time — [starting with] this weekend.”
How Will the Raiders Replace Brock Bowers?
The reason for the decision on Bowers is because he hasn’t taken part in practice this week, with coach Pete Carroll noting the All-Pro receiver is “not quite there yet.” Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly added that Bowers’ absence “changes everybody’s job.”
“You lose the premier tight end in the NFL, and play calling is different,” Kelly said (h/t Ryan McFadden of ESPN). “…You have to be able to make adjustments when you lose players like that, and you’ve got to move on, because no one’s feeling sorry for you when you have a guy down.
“So, that’s just the nature of the game, and we’re hopeful we’ll get Brock back soon here. He’s working his tail off to get back in the rehab process, so we’ll see how that goes.”
Raiders Get Good News at the Tight End Position
Even with Bowers sidelined again, the Raiders are set to have tight end Michael Mayer back in action against the Titans, per
Mayer suffered a concussion in Week 3 during the loss to the Washington Commanders. The injury occurred when he took a hit to the head while tackling wide receiver Jaylin Lane on a 25-yard punt return, leaving him in the fencing position.
The second-round pick in 2023 said he’s “ecstatic” to be back on the field and has been practicing as if he will start at tight end. This season, Mayer has recorded six catches for 47 yards.
Seahawks Get Bad News on 3 Key Defensive Backs for Jaguars Game
Friday brought some bleak injury news for the Seattle Seahawks ahead of their Week 6 matchup against the Jaguars. Before he fielded questions at his press conference after Friday’s practice, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald announced that five players are unlikely to play on Sunday against the Jaguars, including three starting defensive backs.
“All right, I’ll read our injury report for everybody,” Macdonald began his press conference by saying. “[S] Julian Love, [CB Devon Witherspoon], [CB Riq] Woolen are all doubtful. [ED] Derick Hall, [OT] Josh Jones are out.”
That’s a huge blow for the Seahawks. Love, Witherspoon, and Woolen are all starters on the back end for Seattle. Witherspoon, the No. 5 overall pick in 2023, is one of the best cornerbacks in the league. He can play inside or outside, blanketing receivers one-on-one, and he’s one of the most disruptive run defenders at cornerback in the league. On the season, he has 17 tackles, a sack, and a pass defensed in just two games.
Despite lingering trade rumors, Woolen has produced through and up-and-down 2025 campaign. The former Pro Bowler has 17 tackles and a pass defensed. Meanwhile, Love has been one of the most consistent free safeties in the league since coming over from the Giants in 2023. He has 18 tackles, a sack, two passes defensed, and a blocked kick in three games.
Hall is a key rotational edge rusher for Seattle, and he has 10 tackles on the year. Jones is the Seahawks’ swing tackle and primary backup at offensive tackle.
Seattle Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald Provides Further Injury Updates
Amanda Loman/GettySEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 07: Devon Witherspoon #21 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers during the game at Lumen Field on September 07, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Amanda Loman/Getty Images)
“[S] Nick [Emmanwori] will play in the game. I’m not sure what his designation is, but he’ll play,” Macdonald confirmed. “I think it’s fair to say that everyone’s still dealing with…everything they’ve had. It’s just something he’s got to learn to play with until it’s 100 percent. But I’d say nobody’s 100 percent right now.”
The rookie second-round pick out of South Carolina was a big-time performer at the NFL Combine, showcasing his rare blend of size and speed. He’s been dealing with a high-ankle sprain that has limited him to just two games, but in those games he has six tackles, including two run stops.
Macdonald also confirmed another key defender will suit up. “[LB] Ernest [Jones] will play as well, yep.” Jones was brought over from the Rams last season and he’s been a revelation for the Seahawks. On the season, he has 40 tackles, two interceptions, three passes defensed, and a sack.
The Seattle Seahawks are in the Thick of the NFC West Race
The Seahawks are currently tied with the Rams for second in the division at 3-2. The 49ers are leading it at 4-1, overcoming an injury-riddled start to the year. Even the Cardinals are firmly in the mix at 2-3, just two games out from the lead, losing their last three games by a combined five points.
Though their schedule isn’t easy, Seattle is firmly in the mix. Outside of the Cardinals, they face only three teams the rest of the way that currently have two or fewer wins: the Texans, Titans, and Panthers. Of those, the Texans seem to be finding their groove as a team that was picked to win the AFC South in the preseason.
The road might be tough, but these Seahawks are equipped to navigate it.
