The Raiders will have to pursue a 2-0 start without Brock Bowers.
The tight end is inactive for Sunday’s game against the Chargers at SoFi Stadium, extending his absence to a second consecutive game following minor knee surgery.
Bowers underwent a procedure to trim his meniscus and missed the Raiders’ season-opening victory over the Dolphins. His next opportunity to return will come against the Saints.
For now, the Raiders must again build its offensive plan without one of its most dangerous playmakers.
The Raiders showed last week they can function without him, scoring 27 points while getting productive work from running back Ashton Jeanty and fellow tight end Michael Mayer.
But facing a division opponent on the road presents another test for quarterback Kirk Cousins and coach Klint Kubiak’s developing offense.
Mayer figures to remain an important part of the answer after catching six passes for 32 yards against Miami and contributing as a run blocker.
His ability to handle both responsibilities gives Kubiak flexibility, although replacing Bowers requires contributions from more than one player.
Without Bowers threatening the middle of the field and demanding defensive attention, the Raiders need their other receivers to create opportunities and their running game to keep the offense in manageable situations.
Jeanty rushed for 102 yards in the opener, offering a foundation Las Vegas can try to build upon.
The stakes add urgency: A victory would lift the Raiders to 2-0 and drop the Chargers to 0-2.
They’ll need to do it shorthanded.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: nypost.com
