Overview
- Bowers was cleared to play after full practices this week and entered Thursday night without an injury designation.
- Through the first quarter against Denver, he had just one target as Las Vegas opened a 7-0 lead while leaning on the run.
- The second-year tight end returned in Week 9 with 12 catches for 127 yards and three touchdowns, fueling a shift toward tight end–heavy groupings.
- Las Vegas deployed 12 personnel on 58% of snaps and 12/13 on 67% in Week 9, with OC Chip Kelly citing opponent-driven usage and QB Geno Smith pushing to keep both Bowers and Michael Mayer on the field.
- Denver brings a top-tier defense by points and yards allowed with a lively pass rush, and coverage plans noted the absence of cornerback Patrick Surtain II.