Las Vegas Raiders superstar tight end Brock Bowers didn’t practice Friday, still the team is hopeful he will make his season debut Sunday at the New Orleans Saints.
Raiders coach Klint Kubiak said Friday keeping Bowers out of practice Friday was part of the team’s plan and he said he is optimistic Bowers will play Sunday/ He was limited in practice both Wednesday and Thursday.
Bowers missed the first two games of the season, both Raiders’ victories, after having knee surgery 17 days ago. Bowers was
limited in practice Friday and worked out prior to the Chargers’ game Sunday, but was inactivated Raiders’ coach Klint Kubiak said after the game Bowers was “very close” to being ready to play. Kubiak noted there will not be a similar pre-game workout for Bowers in New Orleans. Michael Mayer would make his third straight start if Bowers can’t play Sunday.
Starting defensive end Kwity Pate returned to practice Friday after being out Thursday with an illness. Still, Kubiak said he is questionable to play Sunday.
Rookie starting safety Treydan Stukes has been in the concussion protocol all week and he will be out Sunday. Isaiah Pola-Mao, who Stukes beat out in training camp, is in line to start. Cornerback Darien Porter has been practicing fully and will play Sunday. However, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he plays behind Zeke Masses. The rookie fifth-round pick was named the Week 2 AFC Defensive player of the weekafter he had two interception in a win over the Chargers in his first NFL start.
Number three quarterback Aidan O’Connell is listed as questionable Sunday. He announced his father has died and he has been away from the team since Sept. 17
