Brock Bowers Misses Raiders Workouts: Former Georgia Star’s Absence Explained, Revealing the Valid Reason Behind His Decision to Skip Offseason Training in Las Vegas.

The offseason in the NFL is often just as important as the regular season, a crucial time for rookies to acclimate to their new teams and for veterans to sharpen their skills. For rookies like Brock Bowers, the Las Vegas Raiders’ star tight end and former Georgia football sensation, the offseason workouts are seen as essential in building chemistry with teammates, learning the playbook, and getting ready for the long season ahead. So, when Bowers was noticeably absent from the Raiders’ workouts in the early part of the 2025 offseason, it raised some eyebrows.

However, the reasons behind Bowers’ decision to skip these training sessions are far from a sign of indifference or lack of dedication. Instead, they reflect the complexities of the modern NFL player’s life—balancing physical recovery, mental preparation, and personal needs. Here, we will explore why Bowers missed the offseason workouts, the implications of his absence, and what it means for his future with the Raiders.

The Rise of Brock Bowers: A Georgia Legend

Before diving into his offseason choices, it’s important to understand just how significant Brock Bowers’ rise to stardom has been.

Bowers’ career at the University of Georgia was nothing short of extraordinary. As a true freshman, he helped lead the Bulldogs to a national championship in 2021, showcasing an unmatched combination of size, speed, and skill that made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. His ability to line up both as a traditional tight end and in more dynamic roles such as in the slot or even as a wide receiver made him a dual-threat and impossible to cover. By the time he left Georgia, Bowers had set multiple records and was widely regarded as one of the most gifted tight ends to ever play college football.

This exceptional performance earned Bowers the 2024 John Mackey Award, given to the nation’s best tight end, and made him a top pick in the NFL Draft. The Las Vegas Raiders, who had long struggled to find consistent offensive weapons, selected him with high hopes for the future. With a promising rookie season ahead, expectations were sky-high for the former Bulldog.

The Decision to Skip Offseason Workouts

Brock Bowers’ absence from the Raiders’ offseason training camps in 2025 was met with curiosity and concern. Offseason workouts are typically critical for rookies to familiarize themselves with the team’s systems, meet their new teammates, and adjust to the NFL’s pace and physicality. So, what was behind Bowers’ decision?

1. Focus on Physical Recovery

One of the more plausible reasons for Bowers’ absence was the need for recovery. The physical demands of an NFL season are unlike anything in college, and even for a player of Bowers’ caliber, the toll on his body can be significant. During his time at Georgia, Bowers played through various minor injuries, including tweaks to his legs and back. While none of these injuries were severe enough to keep him sidelined during his college career, they could have lingered into the offseason.

Skipping the early part of the Raiders’ workouts may have been a calculated decision to give his body ample time to recover. Bowers, a highly competitive player, would have recognized that ensuring his long-term health was more important than rushing into drills that might exacerbate any preexisting injuries. Taking the time to rest, recover, and focus on his body’s needs rather than pushing through grueling offseason workouts is a decision that could ultimately prove beneficial for his career in the long run.

2. Maximizing Mental Preparation

Bowers has often been praised for his football IQ and his work ethic. But even the most driven athletes need to recharge mentally after a grueling season. For someone like Bowers, who is already familiar with the demands of high-level football from his time at Georgia, the offseason isn’t just about physical recovery—it’s also a time to sharpen the mind.

Skipping workouts early in the offseason could have been a strategic decision to allow Bowers time to study the Raiders’ playbook in-depth, review game footage, and mentally prepare for his second season. A player of his caliber knows that mental preparation is just as important as physical readiness. If he felt that the team’s workouts wouldn’t have provided the level of mental stimulation and learning that he could accomplish on his own, Bowers might have opted to focus on solo study and preparation, which can sometimes be more effective.

3. Personal Time and Family Considerations

Another significant factor to consider is Bowers’ personal life. For many players, especially rookies adjusting to the NFL lifestyle, the offseason is one of the few opportunities to spend time with family, friends, and loved ones. While it may not be widely discussed, personal time and emotional well-being are crucial to maintaining balance in a professional athlete’s life.

Bowers, having spent several years away from home during his time at Georgia, may have opted to take a break from the intense grind of professional football to reconnect with family or attend to other personal matters. In an era where mental health and player well-being are being prioritized more than ever before, taking time off to reset emotionally and recharge isn’t an uncommon choice for a young player entering the high-pressure world of the NFL.

4. Offseason Training in a Different Environment

Another angle to consider is Bowers’ training regimen. As a highly disciplined and motivated player, Bowers may have opted to work with his own trainers or at facilities outside the Raiders’ official offseason workouts. Many high-caliber athletes choose to work independently during the offseason to focus on specific areas of their game, whether it’s improving strength, agility, or flexibility.

By training in a setting more tailored to his individual needs, Bowers could ensure that he’s getting the most out of his workouts. With his unique skill set, the traditional team-focused workouts may not provide the personalized attention he requires to fine-tune certain aspects of his game. In this case, Bowers could have been prioritizing the quality of his training over simply participating in team sessions.

Impact on the Raiders and His Development

While Bowers’ absence raised some eyebrows, it’s important to consider how this decision will affect both his development and the Raiders’ offense as a whole.

1. Team Chemistry and Timing with Quarterbacks

One of the most significant challenges for any rookie in the NFL is developing chemistry with the team’s quarterback. For Bowers, this would be especially important, as the Raiders have a new quarterback under center in Jimmy Garoppolo. The lack of time spent with Garoppolo during the offseason workouts could mean that they need extra time in training camp to develop a seamless rapport on the field.

However, the nature of the NFL means that players like Bowers are expected to adjust quickly. His previous experience at Georgia, where he played with a variety of quarterbacks, means he’s already accustomed to adapting to different styles of play. Furthermore, his skill set as a versatile tight end who can line up in multiple spots on the field should make it easier for him to integrate into the Raiders’ offense once he returns to training.

2. A Chance for Other Players to Step Up

Bowers’ absence from early workouts also provides an opportunity for other tight ends on the Raiders’ roster to make an impression. Players like Michael Mayer, who was drafted in the same class, will have more chances to showcase their talents and take on more responsibility during the offseason. This internal competition will only push everyone on the roster to perform better, and it may serve as a motivation for Bowers to come back even stronger once he rejoins the team.

3. A Long-Term Strategy

In the grand scheme of things, Bowers’ decision to skip part of the offseason training could be a long-term play for his career. The physical demands of an NFL season are enormous, and ensuring that he’s fully rested and ready for the grind of a second year is likely more important than trying to impress during the offseason.

If Bowers believes that skipping workouts now will allow him to play at his peak level during the season, then this decision may prove to be a wise one. After all, NFL careers are long and demanding, and playing with longevity in mind should always be a top priority.