“Ashton Jeanty is a go,” Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network confirmed the Raiders’ running back has been cleared to play the Patriots in Week 5 of the 2026 NFL campaign. According to the NFL’s Injury Report statuses, Jeanty was dealing with a hamstring injury. Other reports point towards ankle and foot injuries. Either way, the health concerns were threatening to sideline him, but he pushed through.

With the Raiders coming off their first loss of the year, and the Patriots having defeated the Buffalo Bills last week, whether Jeanty played or not could have determined the trajectory of the game in Foxborough.

Gearing up for Week 5 in Mass., Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak had an encouraging statement about Jeanty’s status, though the team’s updates told a different story. According to Kubiak, Jeanty will “do his best to go”, and he did just that. New England will have to figure out a way to contain the dual-threat tail back.

Jeanty’s week of practice

Although he turned things around, Jeanty had been on a downward spiral. Following the injuries sustained in the grueling Week 4 defeat against the Kansas City Chiefs, Jeanty was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice.

However, he was downgraded to a limited role the next day before being completely sidelined in Las Vegas’ last practice on Friday. The fact Jeanty wasn’t listed as out in the final injury report before gameday was an encouraging note and one that the running back built on.

Clearly, anything can happen, especially when the resilience of a competitor like Jeanty is at stake. In a crucial battle to keep the good times rolling in Vegas, Jeanty won’t miss the action. However, the bigger picture can’t be lost sight of, either.

Raiders make RB move just in case

“With Ashton Jeanty questionable because of foot and ankle injuries, the Raiders elevated RB Roman Hemby,” Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported on his X account.

Calling up another running back to the active roster might be a clear indication of how concerned Las Vegas was about Jeanty’s health. Still, even if Jeanty didn’t play, Hemby would not have had much of a role. Instead, rookie out of Arkansas Mike Washington Jr. was always expected to be the No. 1 backfield option should the Boise State icon have been ruled out.

Key takeaways

• Ashton Jeanty is active for the Las Vegas Raiders’ Week 5 game against New England.
• Klint Kubiak noted Jeanty would try his best to play despite missing Friday’s practice.
• Las Vegas elevated Roman Hemby to the active roster ahead of Sunday’s matchup.

Hollins is suffering from a calf injury. Now, he joins AJ Brown as the wideouts placed on IR. However, Brown is close to returning. Still, he won’t be featured against the Raiders.

Brown, who is on IR after suffering a high-ankle sprain in Week 1, could return in Week 6. Still, for Week 5 where the Patriots face off against the Las Vegas Raiders, New England will be short of two of their best wideouts.

Patriots WR depth chart vs Raiders in Week 5

The Patriots will have to deal with third-stringers and lesser receivers as they hope to get a second win in a row and gain some momentum. The Raiders actually beat the Patriots last season, so it’s also revenge time. This is their WR depth chart for the game:

• Romeo Doubs (Starting X-Receiver)
• Efton Chism III (Expected starter at the Z-Receiver role in place of Hollins)
• DeMario Douglas (Starting Slot Receiver)
• Kyle Williams (Backup / Rotational Receive)

The Patriots have a hidden gem at WR

The New England Patriots have an underutilized yet talented wideout in Efton Chism III. Chism became a cult hero last week by making an outstanding game-winning touchdown grab.

Chism is one of those wideouts that usually thrive under offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. He is a small, route-prolific receiver. He has already drawn comparisons to Patriots’ greats Wes Welker, Danny Amendola, and Julian Edelman.

Key takeaways

• Mack Hollins was placed on IR due to a calf injury, ruling him out for at least four games.
• A.J. Brown remains sidelined on IR with a high-ankle sprain but could return in Week 6.
• Efton Chism III will start at Z-receiver against Las Vegas after catching a game-winning touchdown.

“It’s going to do a lot of great things for [Mendoza]. [Cousins] is a true pro. He knows how to run the team and everything the right way. It’ll be great for Fernando to learn and just take in. Hopefully not too much,” Mahomes admitted during his postgame press conference. “Because it went really well for me and Alex [Smith], hopefully not that much [for Mendoza, Cousins, and the Raiders] unless I’m gone or something like that.”

Mahomes came into the league as the 10th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft but didn’t start right away. Instead, Andy Reid and the Chiefs sat him for virtually his entire rookie year (Mahomes only played one game) and had Alex Smith teach him the ropes in Kansas City.

The move paid off right away, and Mahomes threw for 5,097 yards and 50 touchdowns in only his second year in the league. Whatever the antonym to a sophomore slump is, Mahomes enjoyed that in 2018. The rest is history.

Chiefs are off to red-hot start and Raiders, too

In 2026, Mahomes and company are off to chase more records and silverware. As it stands, the Chiefs are one of three teams to start the 2026 NFL season 4-0, along with the Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers.

So far, the Raiders have copied the Chiefs’ blueprint and they have a lot to show for it, as Cousins is playing some of the best football of his career, while Mendoza hasn’t seen the field yet but is taking it all in. In the long run, taking his rookie year to be an apprentice rather than being tossed into the fire of a storied franchise with high expectations and a loud fanbase appears to be the best option.

If you don’t believe it, ask Mahomes and the Chiefs. They have three rings, five Super Bowl appearances, and are far from done. That should answer any questions.

The Raiders mimic the Chiefs

They say if you can’t beat your enemy, join them. The Raiders won’t ever come close to joining forces with their foes in Missouri, but they are taking a page out of their playbook and might change the course of the franchise’s history by doing so.

As for Mahomes and the Chiefs, it makes sense why they aren’t upset at other teams mirroring their blueprint. At the end of the day, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

When will Kansas City and Las Vegas play again?

The first matchup between the Chiefs and Raiders in 2026 didn’t disappoint. The two won’t meet again until Week 18 at Arrowhead. If both can maintain their current form until then, it might be a matchup for the AFC West title, and perhaps even more.

If the Raiders run out of gas, however, and Cousins loses his touch, it might set the stage for the first of many Mahomes vs. Mendoza showdowns in the NFL. Either way, fans across the league will be pleased with the outcome.

Key takeaways

• Patrick Mahomes praised the Raiders’ approach with Kirk Cousins and rookie Fernando Mendoza.
• Kansas City is off to a 4–0 start in the 2026 season.
• The division rivals will meet again in Week 18 at Arrowhead Stadium.

On top of that, the Raiders haven’t gone 5-0 since 1976, when they were still in Oakland. That year, they finished 13-1 and, unlike 2002, went the distance to lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy under the legendary John Madden.

Half a century later, the Raiders came just close from such a start despite not being seen as Super Bowl contenders. A 4-0 start would’ve been epic enough, but going 5-0 would have been the perfect way to honor Madden just weeks before the movie about his NFL legacy releases.

Raiders looking to leave poor 2025 behind

The Raiders being one of the few unbeaten teams four weeks into the 2026 NFL season would have been surprising. We’re talking about the franchise that finished 2025 tied for the worst record in the entire league (3-14).

Las Vegas had the first overall pick in April, which it used on quarterback Fernando Mendoza after his championship year in Indiana, but veteran QB Kirk Cousins is handling the duties while the rookie sits and learns.

Klint Kubiak’s men first opened the year with a 27-13 home win over the Miami Dolphins before producing their first upset of the year: a 26-14 road victory against the Los Angeles Chargers. They followed that with a hard-fought, 35-27 win over the Saints in New Orleans before falling to the Kansas City Chiefs at home (27-30).

AFC West standings after Week 4

Beating the Chiefs would’ve extended the Raiders’ positive start and given them control of the AFC West early in 2026. But just like in previous years, it’s Andy Reid and company dominating the division. Here’s the AFC West standings after Week 4:

1. Chiefs (4-0)
2. Raiders (3-1)
3. Broncos (2-2)
4. Chargers (0-4)

In Week 5, the Raiders will pay a visit to the 2-2 New England Patriots, who pulled off a shock on the road against the Buffalo Bills in an AFC East matchup.

Key takeaways

• 2002 remains the last time the Raiders started 4-0.
• A 3-14 record in 2025 left Las Vegas tied for the league’s worst mark.
• The New England Patriots await the Raiders in Week 5 holding a 2-2 record.

“Raiders TE Brock Bowers, who had been on the injury report due to his knee, now has an illness for which Las Vegas is listing him as questionable for today’s game vs. the Chiefs,” as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on X. “The Raiders are expecting Bowers to play, but he does have an illness.“

Although reports suggest Bowers will indeed play in the crucial AFC West showdown against the Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium, he may not be fully healthy. Even when he isn’t at 100 percent, the product out of Georgia is a force to be reckoned with and a constant menace to defenses.

However, considering Bowers has been dealing with a knee injury and illness is now being added to the mix, he may not be at his best against Kansas City. For fantasy football owners, though, as long as Bowers is active, he is a must-start. For Andy Reid and company, as long as Bowers is on the field, he is someone to keep an eye on, and it still may not be enough to stop him.

Bowers was late addition to injury report

After missing the first two weeks of the 2026 NFL season while recovering from minor arthroscopic knee surgery to trim a meniscus tear in his left knee, many expected the issue to be in the past. However, Bowers was a limited participant during Las Vegas’ Friday practice as he dealt with a knee issue.

Now, he’s also being reported sick, which only adds another layer to the drama. The illness may not rule him out, but if it compounds the knee setback, it may be all she wrote for Bowers’ availability against the Chiefs.

For the time being, the Raiders are confident, though. As long as that left knee doesn’t bring up new headaches, they should be good to go with their best player. Plus, if illness is the only source of concern, it might be a good omen, as Bowers could have his own version of a “flu game.”

Bowers’ projection for Week 4

For the time being, Las Vegas is counting on Bowers. Fantasy football owners should, as well. According to ESPN’s app, in point-per-reception (PPR) leagues, the Raiders’ tight end is projected to put up 15.91 points against the Chiefs. Considering Bowers was projected for 14.18 last week and ended up with 27.6 points (PPR), it might be an even more encouraging sign.

Key takeaways

• Questionable status after being listed with an illness ahead of Week 4.
• ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Brock Bowers is expected to play against Chiefs.
• Missed first two weeks following arthroscopic knee surgery for meniscus tear.

Fans and fantasy football owners were awaiting confirmation as Browers was listed as questionable after missing the first two weeks of the season, but the Raiders star is finally back.

A first-round pick in most fantasy football drafts and the best receiving option on the Raiders, there was a lot hanging in the balance as Las Vegas is still straddling the fence on whether Bowers will play.

Bowers’ stats in 2025

Last season, Bowers finished the campaign with a grand total of 64 receptions for 680 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. It was a downgrade from his record-breaking rookie year, but still not too shabby, either.

Although he missed five games in the 2025 NFL season with a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury and a bone bruise in his left knee, Bowers was still a force to be reckoned with last year.

Bowers is still widely rated as the best tight end in the NFL, and he won’t want to miss a second making his presence felt.

Key takeaways

• Brock Bowers is making his season debut against New Orleans.
• He is recovering from minor arthroscopic knee surgery to trim a left knee meniscus tear.
• Last season, he recorded 64 receptions for 680 yards and seven touchdowns across 12 games.

Bowers is labeled as doubtful for this game, but reports from Ian Rapoport of NFL Network state that Bowers is not expected to play vs. Chargers. Bowers is still recovering from a minor knee procedure.

However, Rapoport also reported that Bowers “should be good to go” for Week 3 when the Raiders face the New Orleans Saints. Bowers is one of the most elite tight ends in the NFL, so for the Raiders, they need him back as soon as possible.

Who is Bowers replacement?

Michael Mayer is the primary replacement for Las Vegas Raiders’ TE1 spot. Mayer is a good, reliable veteran. Tight ends Ian Thomas and Jalen Myarick are also available on the roster, but they are more blocking tight ends.

Mayer caught six passes on seven targets during the Raiders’ win in Week 1 over the Miami Dolphins. He was very involved. He might not be Bowers, but he is a very serviceable tight end to have.

The Raiders rely on TEs as WR room is thin

The Raiders might have one of the best tight end rooms in the NFL but that’s not the case for the wide receivers. Hence, the playbook has plenty of schemes designed for the tight end to thrive, as the wideouts are not close to being stars. These are the WRs for the Raiders:

• Tre Tucker
• Jalen Nailor
• Jack Bech
• Cody White
• Malik Benson
• Dareke Young

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Kubiak said Bowers is “day-to-day,” but also reported that there’s a “realistic chance” that Bowers will only miss one game after a meniscus trim. Hence, he could be in Week 2 when the Raiders face the Chargers.

The Raiders managed to look great on offense despite not having their best weapon. It’s clear that Kubiak’s playbook is already working and making everyone better. It was a much more smoother offense than last year.

Raiders offense without Bowers

In any other year, this would be catastrophic. However, this time the Raiders offense put up 27 points, had 21 first downs, and controlled time of possession. However, it was not an elite showing. They still have a lot to improve, and this was against Miami, who is arguably the worst-projected team in the NFL.

For instance, the team didn’t even get to 300 total yards, only gathered 4.3 yards per play, and was 5/13 on third downs. Bowers will clearly help improve all those metrics as he is a certified playmaker.

The Raiders have a much tougher test in Week 2

While not the best performance in Week 1, the Los Angeles Chargers will absolutely be a tougher test than the Dolphins. Hence, the Raiders will be in for a treat, and if Bowers is playing for the Raiders, Las Vegas’ chances to win improve. As for the Raiders, this is also a divisional rivalry game. Hence, it’s a very important game.

Bowers recently underwent a meniscus trim procedure after dealing with the knee issue, and his recovery has been viewed positively. Rather than risk aggravating the injury in Week 1, head coach Klint Kubiak is taking a cautious approach with one of the most important players on his offense. The Raiders would much rather have Bowers healthy for the long term than push him onto the field before he is ready.

His absence is still a significant blow, especially for Kirk Cousins. The veteran quarterback was chosen to lead Kubiak’s offense into the season, and Bowers was expected to be one of his most dangerous and reliable weapons. Without him against Miami, the Raiders will have to find other ways to generate production in the passing game while their offensive centerpiece continues his recovery.

When will Brock Bowers return from injury with Raiders?

The good news for the Raiders is that Brock Bowers’ recovery has been positive following the meniscus trim, which carries a considerably shorter recovery timeline than a more extensive meniscus repair. That has created optimism that his absence could be limited to the beginning of the season rather than becoming a long-term issue.

Bowers could potentially return next week when the Raiders travel to face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2. However, that should be viewed as a possibility rather than a guarantee, particularly because Kubiak has emphasized caution with his star tight end. The Raiders will likely want to see how Bowers responds physically before making a final decision about his availability.

For now, Las Vegas will have to begin the season without one of its biggest offensive weapons. Michael Mayer is expected to take on a larger role, but replacing what Bowers brings to the offense will be difficult. For Cousins and Kubiak, Week 1 against Miami will therefore be an early test of how effectively the Raiders can operate without their star tight end.

“After undergoing a meniscus trim Tuesday, the Raiders believe there’s a realistic chance Brock Bowers will miss only one game and return for Week 2 at the Los Angeles Chargers, per sources,” the insider stated on X. “Team will see how he’s feeling this week, but a potential return next week is within the realm of possibility.”

Despite the disappointing 2025 season, Bowers has been one of the bright spots on offense. Klint Kubiak, who tends to make the most of this position on the field, could have his tight end back much sooner than expected.

The tight ends available to the Raiders

New faces on the roster, as well as on the coaching staff. Hope is rising again in Las Vegas, as the Raiders, led by Kirk Cousins, look to establish themselves as a tough team to beat in the AFC West.

While Bowers’ absence could be a significant loss, this team has three more tight ends on its depth chart. The first option as his replacement is Michael Mayer, while Ian Thomas and Chris Myarick are further down.

Bowers wants to improve on his 2025 season

Despite dealing with nagging knee issues that limited him to 12 games in 2025, Brock Bowers still proved why he’s a focal point for the Raiders, hauling in 64 catches for 680 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns. Coming off a legendary rookie campaign, his efficiency dipped slightly due to the missed time, but he still earned a Pro Bowl selection.

Bowers will be looking to get back to his monster 1,000-yard form, reclaim his spot as the undisputed top tight end in the league, and remain the ultimate security blanket for Las Vegas in the passing game.

Can the Raiders find their way again?

Pete Carroll’s experience as the Raiders’ head coach in 2025 left Las Vegas at the bottom of its division with a 3-14 record. Now, with Klint Kubiak as the new leader of the team, this team is hopeful that it can compete in the AFC.

Following their opener against the Dolphins, the Raiders have some interesting games ahead as they look to get the season off to a strong start. In Week 2, they will visit the Chargers before traveling to New Orleans to face the Saints. In Week 4, they will host the Kansas City Chiefs and then travel to Foxborough to take on the New England Patriots.

“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,” the HC revealed per ESPN‘s Adam Schefter.

Aidan O’Connell is the other quarterback on the Raiders’ depth chart, although he is expected to have fewer opportunities to see the field throughout the season. Ultimately, Cousins’ experience prevailed over the other options as he prepares to lead the team into another campaign.

Cousins brings plenty of NFL experience

Kirk Cousins is officially rolling into his 15th NFL season, continuing one of the most durable and steady under-center runs in modern football. Drafted in 2012 by Washington Redskins as a fourth-round backup to Robert Griffin III, Cousins took over starting duties in 2015 and never looked back, eventually carving out major multi-year chapters with Washington, Minnesota Vikings, and Atlanta Falcons.

While playoff success has been elusive, his biggest claim to fame remains his remarkable consistency and high-level individual efficiency: he’s a 4-time Pro Bowler who surpassed 44,000 career passing yards and nearly 300 passing touchdowns, earning a reputation as one of the ultimate intermediate-to-deep pocket passers and highest-earning players in league history.

A tough start to the season for Las Vegas

The Raiders are looking at a crucial opening stretch to kick off their 2026 campaign. They open up at home at Allegiant Stadium against the Dolphins in Week 1 before hitting the road for back-to-back road tests against the divisional-rival Los Angeles Chargers and a trip to the Superdome to face the New Orleans Saints.

The schedule doesn’t ease up from there, as they head back to Vegas for a massive AFC West showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4, followed by a tricky Week 5 trip east to take on the New England Patriots.