Things get a lot easier for the New York Giants against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Raiders placed star tight end Brock Bowles on injured reserve on Wednesday, ending his season. Bowles is, without a doubt, the most dangerous weapon in the Raiders offense and one of the best receiving weapons at any position in the NFL.
The second-year tight end set the rookie receiving record with 112 yards in 2025, breaking Puka Nakua’s mark of 105 yards in 2024. He also set the season record for receiving yards by a tight end with 1,194, breaking Mike Ditka’s previous record of 1,076 yards set in 1961.
advertise
Bowles earned first-team All-Pro honors last year and made the Pro Bowl, but he battled knee injuries throughout the year, including a sprained PCL and a bone bruise. Given the state of the Giants’ defensive corps, even with the injury, Bowles poses a significant threat to the Giants defense.
On one hand, the Raiders’ already lackluster offense is noticeably less threatening without Bowles, making a Giants win more likely. On the other hand, the No. 1 overall pick (and possibly important Draft Capital) is on the line in this game.
Losing Bowles could make it easier for the Raiders to acquire the No. 1 pick and their choice of quarterback, while also potentially depriving the Giants of a much-needed trade opportunity to win the game.