The Las Vegas Raiders expect rookie tight end Brock Bowers to be ready for the season opener.
The first-round draft pick from Georgia has not practiced for two weeks due to foot soreness.
On Thursday, coach Antonio Pierce said he feels “really good” about Bowers’ availability for the Sept. 8 opener against the host Los Angeles Chargers.
Pierce said the Raiders have been playing it safe with Bowers, a two-time national champion and two-time Mackey Award winner with the Bulldogs. Las Vegas selected him 13th overall in the 2024 draft.
“You gotta be smart,” Pierce said. “Sometimes you gotta protect them from themselves, so that’s all it is.”
Bowers, 21, caught two passes for 25 yards in his only preseason action on Aug. 10 against the Minnesota Vikings.
He racked up 175 receptions for 2,538 yards and 26 touchdowns in 40 games at Georgia from 2021-23.