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Patriots treating Raiders TE Brock Bowers like a wide receiver this week

The New England Patriots are preparing for a unique challenge this week as they gear up to face the Las Vegas Raiders and their standout tight end Brock Bowers. The Patriots have taken an unusual approach by treating Bowers like a wide receiver, with practice squad receiver Kyle Dixon even wearing Bowers’ No.

89 jersey during drills. Coach Mike Vrabel emphasized Bowers’ versatility, calling him a ‘big slot receiver’ due to his speed, route-running ability, and precision at the catch point.

Since returning from a knee injury that cost him the first two games, Bowers has dominated the Raiders’ offense, leading the team with 25 targets, 16 receptions, and 202 receiving yards in just two games. Notably, he has played 61 snaps out wide and 45 in the slot, with only 16 snaps inline, showcasing his role as a primary receiving threat rather than a traditional tight end.

His impact is further highlighted by his eight third-down conversions in those two games, tied for the most among NFL tight ends. The Patriots’ defense, which recently limited Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid to one catch for seven yards, will aim to replicate that success against Bowers, who was a major offensive weapon in their Week 1 matchup last season with five catches for 103 yards in limited snaps.

Up nextNFL· 1h ago

Brock Bowers amazes every week