📸 Image Credit: AP
Brock Bowers reminded everyone why he’s considered one of the NFL’s brightest young stars. After missing several weeks with a knee injury, the Las Vegas Raiders’ dynamic tight end made a thunderous return in Week 9 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, hauling in 12 receptions for 127 yards and three touchdowns. Despite his heroics, the Raiders narrowly fell short in a 30-29 defeat, but Bowers’ performance was a clear statement — he’s back, and he’s as dangerous as ever.
A Historic Comeback
Selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Bowers quickly became the centerpiece of the Raiders’ offense. His combination of speed, strength, and precision route-running helped him break several rookie records, including the most receptions by a rookie tight end in NFL history. In his latest outing, Bowers became the first tight end since Rob Gronkowski in 2014 to record at least 125 receiving yards and three touchdowns in a single game.
“It felt great to get back out on the field, obviously not the end we wanted,” Bowers said after the game. “But everyone was fighting to the end.”
Impact Beyond the Box Score
Bowers’ return didn’t just elevate his individual numbers — it completely changed the tone of the Raiders’ offense. Before his comeback, Las Vegas averaged just 8.7 points per game during his absence. With him back, the team posted a season-high 29 points, showing just how integral he is to their success.
Even while injured, Bowers attempted to play through the pain earlier in the season, but his production dipped to just 40.7 yards per game. Once fully recovered, he looked every bit the All-Pro talent that made him one of the most anticipated rookie tight ends in recent memory.
Fantasy Football Explosion
For fantasy football managers, Bowers’ return couldn’t have been more electric. His 12-catch, 127-yard, three-touchdown showing translated to 43.3 PPR fantasy points, the most by any player in 2025 and the highest mark by a tight end since Darren Waller’s 45.0-point outburst in 2020.
Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly made sure Bowers was featured heavily in the game plan, targeting him 13 times — six more than any other Raider. That volume underscores his role as the focal point of the passing attack going forward.
Breaking Records and Raising the Bar
Bowers’ rapid ascent continues to rewrite NFL history. In just 22 career games, he has:
- Become the first tight end to record multiple receptions in each of his first 22 career games.
- Reached 1,500 career receiving yards faster than any tight end since the NFL merger in 1970.
- Logged five games with 10+ catches in his first two seasons — a feat unmatched at his position.
Brock Bowers Statistics (Through Week 9, 2025)
Receiving
| Season | GP | REC | TGTS | YDS | AVG | TD | LNG | FD | FUM | LST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 17 | 112 | 153 | 1,194 | 10.7 | 5 | 57 | 61 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 5 | 31 | 40 | 352 | 11.4 | 3 | 38 | 17 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 22 | 143 | 193 | 1,546 | 10.8 | 8 | 57 | 78 | 0 | 0 |
Rushing
| Season | GP | CAR | YDS | AVG | TD | LNG | FD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 17 | 5 | 13 | 2.6 | 0 | 12 | 2 |
| 2025 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 6.0 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Career | 22 | 6 | 19 | 3.2 | 0 | 12 | 2 |
Defense
| Season | GP | TOT | SOLO | AST | SACK | FF | FR | INT | PD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 17 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 22 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Scoring
| Season | GP | REC TD | 2PT | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 17 | 5 | 0 | 30 |
| 2025 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 20 |
| Career | 22 | 8 | 1 | 50 |
Career Totals:
- 1,546 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns through 22 games.
- Zero fumbles — exceptional reliability.
- Five 10+ catch games and multiple record-breaking milestones within his first two seasons.
The Bigger Picture
While the Raiders’ 6-13 record over the last two seasons highlights ongoing struggles, Bowers remains a beacon of hope. His leadership and relentless drive to improve are evident both on and off the field.
“Mentally it’s harder not playing than playing,” Bowers said. “You want to be out there so bad, and it sucks when you’re not on the field helping the team.”
Looking Ahead
The Raiders’ offense looked revitalized with Bowers back in action, and if he stays healthy, he could be the key to turning their season around. His blend of athleticism, consistency, and clutch performances makes him one of the most unstoppable weapons in football.
Brock Bowers didn’t just return from injury — he reasserted his place among the league’s elite. And if Sunday’s performance is any indication, the rest of the NFL has been put on notice: the Raiders’ superstar tight end is back to reclaim his dominance.
