Brock Bowers doubtful vs. Chargers as Raiders rule out CB Darien Porter

Brock Bowers was back on the practice field Friday for the first time since his knee procedure, and the Raiders still listed him as doubtful for Sunday's AFC West game against the Chargers at SoFi Stadium. He was limited after sitting out Wednesday and Thursday, according to the team's official injury report. Klint Kubiak said the plan is to work Bowers out before the game and decide then, as ProFootballTalk's Josh Alper reported.

Read the tag for what it is. Doubtful players rarely suit up, and The Athletic's Sam Warren reported, in a story carried by NFL.com, that Kubiak is optimistic Bowers returns next week against New Orleans. That points to Michael Mayer as the lead tight end for a second straight Sunday. My view: spending one more week to protect the offense's best pass catcher for the other fifteen is sound asset management.

The thinner spot is cornerback. Darien Porter didn't practice all week with the foot injury he picked up in the opener and has been ruled out. Rookie Hezekiah Masses replaced him late in the 27-13 win over Miami, and Raiders Wire's Levi Damien expects Masses to start. Kubiak wouldn't say Friday who will line up there, Athlon Sports reported. A first-year corner on the road against Justin Herbert is the liability on this week's ledger.

Quarterback Aidan O'Connell missed Thursday and Friday for personal reasons and is questionable. He's the third-stringer, so Sports Illustrated notes it shouldn't change the plan behind Kirk Cousins.

The Chargers bring their own list. Ladd McConkey (rib) managed one limited practice and is questionable, while defensive back Elijah Molden (hamstring) and lineman Trey Pipkins III (knee) are out, according to Friday's official injury report. Los Angeles is 0-1 after a 26-14 home loss to Arizona in which McConkey left hurt, according to the Chargers' own recap. The Raiders arrive 1-0 after Ashton Jeanty caught two touchdown passes against the Dolphins, as the Review-Journal noted.

What to watch: Bowers' pregame workout Sunday, and whether Masses is the starter when the defense takes the field. A win would put Las Vegas at 2-0 and two games up on a division rival before October.