HENDERSON, Nev. -- Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers is questionable to play in Monday night's matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers because of a knee injury, but Raiders coach Pete Carroll expects the team's top pass catcher to be available.
Bowers practiced Saturday after sitting out Thursday and Friday. He has worn a brace over a sleeve on his left knee for the past two days.
"He practiced great," Carroll said Saturday. "He did really well today."
Bowers said he felt good during practice. When asked if he felt more optimistic about his availability, Bowers said, "I don't know, it's hard to say. I'm just going to keep working out and see how I feel the rest of the day, tomorrow and the next day. So, we'll see."
Bowers injured his knee during the second half of last week's win over the New England Patriots. Carroll said Bowers wanted to return to the game, but the training staff held him back.
Bowers' availability is significant for the Raiders' offense. As a rookie, he led all tight ends in receiving yards (1,194). In his first game playing alongside starting quarterback Geno Smith, Bowers totaled five catches for 103 yards. He had two receptions for at least 30 yards.
If Bowers can't play, the Raiders are pleased with their depth at tight end. Michael Mayer, a second-round pick out of Notre Dame in 2023, had four catches for 38 yards last week. He had a strong training camp and said this is the best he has felt mentally and emotionally. Mayer missed seven games last year because of personal reasons.
Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly was impressed with Mayer's performance in Week 1. He said Mayer did a good job of catching the ball underneath, running after the catch and blocking at the point of attack.
"I think [there aren't] many people [who] have that luxury to have two talented players like that. And I'll throw Ian [Thomas] in there, too," Kelly said. "... To have three tight ends that can play and have proven that they can play in the NFL is a real big deal."
In other injury news, starting linebacker Elandon Roberts (elbow) will play after being a full participant Saturday. Jackson Powers-Johnson was ruled out after sustaining a concussion in Thursday's practice.
Alex Cappa is expected to start at right guard.