The injury to Los Angeles Chargers tight end Brock Bowers has prompted fantasy football managers to reassess their rosters as the player is expected to miss multiple weeks following a recent knee procedure. Chargers head coach Klint Kubiak initially expressed optimism about the team’s health, stating Wednesday that he anticipated having all players available for Sunday’s game. However, new information surfaced indicating that Bowers will be sidelined for more than just a single contest, casting uncertainty over his immediate availability.

Bowers, a highly regarded tight end, was not commonly backed up on fantasy rosters due to his consistent production and perceived reliability. This situation has forced many fantasy players to seek replacements on the waiver wire. One of the top available options is Juwan Johnson of the New Orleans Saints, who finished as the ninth-ranked tight end in point-per-reception (PPR) formats last season. Johnson started strong in the early weeks of the previous season and has had the benefit of a full offseason to build chemistry with new quarterback Tyler Shough. With rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson out for at least the first four games and running back Travis Etienne unlikely to replicate the pass-catching workload of former Saints veteran Alvin Kamara, Johnson is positioned to maintain a stable role in the offense this year.

If Johnson is unavailable, other potential replacements include Chip Onkwo, who stands to inherit a significant portion of the Washington Commanders’ tight end targets after Zach Ertz, the team’s primary tight end last season, departed. Onkwo’s opportunity stems from the void left by Ertz’s absence, suggesting increased chances for touchdowns and red-zone work.

For fantasy managers needing deeper options, candidates such as Michael Mayer, the Raiders’ backup tight end, and Darren Waller, recently acquired by the Carolina Panthers, represent riskier plays. Both players may have low target volumes in their current roles, making touchdown scoring more critical to their fantasy value.

This development highlights the challenges fantasy owners face when an unexpected injury strikes a key player without an established backup. The loss of Bowers disrupts previously sound roster strategies and underscores the importance of depth and flexibility in managing fantasy teams through the NFL season.