Raiders vs Chargers Preview | Brock Bowers Injury Update & Top Plays for MNF

BROCK MISSES PRACTICE ON THURSDAY

Raiders All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers left Sunday’s game against the Patriots with a knee injury, but after the game, Pete Carroll didn’t seem to think it was a big deal. He told us Brock wanted to go back in, but the staff wanted to monitor the game and hold him out unless they absolutely needed him. Luckily, they didn’t need him, and the Raiders ran out of Foxborough with a win.

Then on Monday, it sounded like things were moving in the right direction.

Then on Thursday, the team’s first on-field practice since the opener in New England, Brock wasn’t out there. Do I think it’s a big deal? No, not really. We know what Brock can do. I wouldn’t need to see him out on the practice field til Saturday, and he told us on Thursday before practice that he’s “feeling better,” they’re “just working on it,” and he hopes to play on Monday. The fact that he was even available to us in the first place is a sign too; guys who are actually injured don’t talk to us.

I think he plays on Monday against the Chargers.

Just to let you know, linebacker Elandon Roberts also missed practice on Wednesday. Pete said he dislocated his elbow in the opener against the Patriots. Coach Carroll also mentioned, “he’s not looking at this game like he can’t play.” Linebackers are tough as hell, so I’m not writing him off, but a dislocated elbow is gnarly. I’m no doctor, but my understanding of the typical recovery timeline for a dislocated elbow is that it takes about 3-6 weeks for a mild dislocation. I’d be surprised to see him play this week.

SHAWNE MERRIMAN ON RAIDERS VS. CHARGERS

Want more on the Raiders’ home opener at Allegiant Stadium on Monday Night Football? Don’t miss the latest episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast. Former Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman joins me to break down the pass rush matchups and the keys to slowing down Justin Herbert and LA’s offense, plus betting analyst Matt Perrault joins me for our Raiders Rounders segment with the best bets of the week. I also share my game pick and highlight the matchups that could decide Raiders vs Chargers under the lights in Vegas. Hit play above for the full breakdown.

MISS ANYTHING?

Catch up on some of our recent stories:

RAIDERS ROUNDERS

THE BEST BETS OF THE WEEK FOR THE RAIDERS VS. CHARGERS GAME

We’ve rolled out something new for Raider Nation this season: Raiders Rounders. Each week, I team up with betting analyst Matt Perrault (The Bostonian vs The Book, The Daily Juice) to spotlight the best Raiders bets of the week and a few smart plays from around the NFL. Think of it as the perfect mix of insider football talk and betting insight, giving you a sharper look at how Vegas views the Silver & Black — from player props to game lines — and where the edges might be heading into Sunday (or Monday night).

With that in mind, here are our best plays for the Raiders’ Week 2 matchup against the Chargers:

• Raiders +3.5

• Justin Herbert over 1.5 TD passes

Matt went two-for-three last week, cashing in on the Raiders as 3-point underdogs and hitting Ashton Jeanty anytime TD (-115). We’ll see if he can keep it rolling into Week 2.

⚠️ Disclaimer: Raiders Rounders is all about sharing our perspective on the game. These aren’t betting recommendations — any wagers you place are 100% your responsibility. Bet responsibly.

FANSHOTZ FRIDAY

We’ve got a new segment for you guys! “FanShotz Friday”

By now, you have seen the phenomenal photos we’ve been using in many of our newsletters. They’re some of the best shots you’ll find of your favorite team, captured through the lens of our friend Arnie Bazemore of Fanshotz.com. Every Friday, we’ll feature Arnie’s favorite Raiders shot of the week that he captures at practice or on game day. This week, we’re featuring a pregame shot Arnie snagged of Raiders corner Kyu Blu Kelly, who’s coming off a great showing in his first game as a starter for the Silver and Black. Check out his work at his site linked above and reach out if you’re interested in working with him. He’s a great guy and has been so supportive of me over the years when I was at NBC here in Vegas, and he’s come along for the ride with Silver & Black Sports Network, too.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Since the Raiders play on Monday Night Football, the practice schedule is shifted back a day. We’ll be out at Raiders HQ today and Saturday, bringing you everything from the practice facility.

Stay plugged in: Follow along on all our social channels for live updates and takeaways from practice over the next couple of days.

Don’t miss Monday night: As soon as we wrap up locker room interviews, we’ll be taping our postgame podcast. Make sure you’re subscribed to YouTube so you don’t miss our instant reaction and analysis straight from the field at Allegiant Stadium.

Catch ya next time,