Raiders report: Rookie makes Pro Bowl, but team lobbies for bigger award

Raiders tight end Brock Bowers continued to rack up the accolades in a sensational rookie season by being named a Pro Bowl starter for the AFC on Thursday.

Now the lobbying has begun for an even bigger individual honor.

Several shirts appeared around the team facility bearing the hashtag “Why Not Brock,” highlighting his credentials to win the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award that most likely will go to Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.

“I haven’t seen the shirts,” Bowers said. “Oh, God, that’s bad. I’ll check them out, though. It’s pretty awesome. We’ll see what happens. I don’t really have a say in it, but it’s cool.”

Bowers was more willing to accept the praise of being selected as a rookie.

“It’s pretty awesome,” he said. “I’m honored to have the invite and be going (to the Pro Bowl). I couldn’t be happier with the way things have gone this year, other than (the team’s record).”

Bowers has downplayed most of his achievements, which include the franchise record for catches and the league record for catches by a rookie.

“It’s all cool. It’s hard to pick one thing,” Bowers said when asked if he had a favorite notch on the resume. “The whole season has just been shocking overall. It’s been pretty amazing. But I still feel like I suck sometimes. Losing a rep here and there kind of pisses me off.”

Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby was named to the team for the fourth consecutive year, but isn’t expected to participate after undergoing season-ending ankle surgery.

The Pro Bowl Games take place Feb. 2 in Orlando, Florida. Events include a flag football game, dodgeball and skills competition.

“I haven’t watched it much, but I’ve seen some games like dodgeball and the agility stuff,” Bowers said.

Meredith returns

Guard Jordan Meredith, who had started eight consecutive games before sitting out the past two with an ankle injury, was back on the practice field Thursday. He was listed as a limited participant.

How Meredith’s ankle responds to Friday’s practice session will determine whether he can play in Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.

“Luckily (the injury) turned out better than it could have and gave me a chance to come back,” he said. “Now it’s just about getting to full health and being there for the guys.”

Before getting hurt, Meredith was having by far the most productive of his four NFL seasons — the result of his perseverance as he worked his way up from practice squads to reserve to starter.

“There’s been some good and some bad. Always room for improvement,” he said. “… I think it was about halfway through this year, right after the bye, where I had played a few games and kind of had that moment of ‘this is something I can do.’ ”

Injury report

Running back Ameer Abdullah (foot) did not practice, and there appears to be some concern about his availability for Sunday. The veteran is coming off the first 100-yard rushing game of his career in Sunday’s win at New Orleans.

Chargers wide receiver Josh Palmer (foot) and running back Gus Edwards have missed the first two practices of the week. Wide receiver Ladd McConkey (toe) got in a limited practice after missing Wednesday’s session.

Contact Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on X.