Team news: Las Vegas Raiders | Page 1

While Raiders tight end Brock Bowers underwent a knee procedure last week, there appears to be a real possibility that he could play in Week 2.

Head coach Klint Kubiak told reporters on Monday that Bowers is characterized as day-to-day.

The Raiders will likely be smart with their top target, the story pointed out, but Via Sam Warren of TheAthletic.com, Kubiak added that Bowers is “working his tail off to get back out on the field,” and that it’s “really important to him to play as soon as possible.” There was a report that surfaced Sunday that Bowers has a real chance to play in Week 2. At this point we likely have to wait for practice reports later this week to get a better idea. The Raiders are at the Chargers in the later window of Sunday's games.

Coen expects WR Brian Thomas Jr (shoulder) to be active against Broncos,

Thomas left the game but did return, making his status for Week 2 at least a little safer of a call for fantasy owners at this point in the week. Thomas had a 3-40-0 line in Week 1 and was targeted three times. Thomas had been dealing with a shoulder injury in camp but looks like he'll be on the field for what should be a tough matchup against the Broncos.

The Raiders believe there is a chance TE Brock Bowers will return in Week 2 following his meniscus trim.

Fantasy owners were surprised when news broke earlier in the week that Bowers had this operation and could miss some time. But if he feels well enough, he will likely be back next week against the Chargers. This would be best-case scenario for the Raiders to get their star tight end back. In the meantime, Michael Mayer is an intriguing streaming option for Sunday against the Dolphins.

Raiders All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers underwent a meniscus trim Tuesday in Dallas with Dr. Daniel Cooper and now is expected to miss “a game or two”, league sources told @rapsheet and me. Bowers got banged up “a little in camp” and the injury was diagnosed last week and surgery scheduled.

Related Players: Michael Mayer, Ian Thomas, Tre Tucker, Jalen Nailor, Jack Bech

Bowers must be removed from Week 1 lineups but remains an obvious hold, with the initial timetable pointing toward a relatively short absence. Mayer becomes an immediate waiver addition and viable Week 1 streamer against Miami, with enough projected route and target volume to enter the TE1/2 fringe conversation. Tucker should also absorb additional targets, while Nailor and Bech receive smaller boosts. Bowers’ Week 2 availability appears doubtful, with Week 3 representing a reasonable but not guaranteed return target.

ESPN’s Ben Solak expects Hunter to spend considerably more time at cornerback this season.

Jacksonville has Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers and Brian Thomas Jr. available at wide receiver, while its defense lacks a true No. 1 cornerback. Solak believes Hunter will consequently be used primarily on defense, with his offensive value potentially coming as a high-upside replacement if one of the Jaguars’ three established receivers is injured.

Related Players: Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers, Brenton Strange

Fantasy Impact: A defense-heavy assignment would leave Hunter without the route volume necessary for dependable redraft production. His offensive talent gives him considerable contingent upside, but he presently looks more like a real-life luxury reserve than a legit fantasy option. Our ranking already accounts for that risk, placing him 32 spots below market ADP.

Raiders HC Klint Kubiak on the expected selection of Kirk Cousins as his opening day starting QB: “He played really good football. I’m really happy with all three of our quarterbacks. Kirk’s had a really good offseason, very good camp and he's earned it.”

Related Players: Fernando Mendoza,

Cousins offers limited value outside deep superflex formats, but his experience should provide a steadier opening environment for Jeanty and the Raiders’ pass catchers. Mendoza retains more season-long fantasy upside because he is expected to take over eventually, though this announcement confirms that managers may need to hold him without immediate production, which shouldn't be necessary in most league formats.

Klint Kubiak was asked if he was optimistic on Ashton Jeanty being able to play Week 1 vs. Miami Dolphins.

His answer: “Yes,” with a sly grin.

Related Players: Mike Washington Jr., Dylan Laube

Jeanty has not been cleared, but multiple team decision-makers are now expressing optimism about his Week 1 availability. Washington remains the direct contingency and could retain a complementary role even if Jeanty is active.

Raiders return to the practice field after the roster cutdown deadline. Still no Ashton Jeanty.

Related players: Mike Washington Jr., Dylan Laube, Chris Collier

We're inside two weeks until the Raiders first game, so there's time for Jeanty to get back on the practice field, but fantasy owners should probably have a backup plan at this point. The team has made it obvious they love Washington Jr., the rookie they drafted this past spring, and if Jeanty can't play Week 1, it really looks like Washington could step right in as their RB1.

Of note: the Raiders did not place RB Ashton Jeanty on IR so clearly they feel he’ll be ready to play within the first four weeks of the season.

Related players: Mike Washington Jr., Dylan Laube

He's still not a lock for Week 1 at this point, but it's at least a bit of good news for owners, and reinforces it's not a long-term injury for Jeanty. Fantasy owners may want to have a backup plan in place, though, and if he's still on your wire after your draft, pick up Washington, who looks like he would be a big factor if Jeanty were to miss time.

The Raiders will name Kirk Cousins as their Week 1 starting quarterback against the Dolphins.

All signs pointed toward this decision. While head coach Klint Kubiak was mum at times in recent weeks about the competition, his comments after the Raiders’ final preseason game saying Fernando Mendoza needed “three more preseason games” all but confirmed Cousins would start the season at quarterback. Still, it’s very likely Mendoza will see the field at some point this season and could eventually be an option on the waiver wire during the season.