Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warms up during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Candice Ward-Imagn Images
Las Vegas Raiders training camp offered insights into the franchise's future following a practice altercation between veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins and star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby. As a result, Cousins was temporarily sidelined from team drills, giving No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza his first chance to lead the starting offense.
According to ESPN's Ryan McFadden, who reported from Henderson, Nevada, Mendoza had a mixed performance. He initially struggled with snap exchanges from center Tyler Linderbaum and offensive lineman Jordan Meredith, and he overthrew wide receiver Jack Bech. However, Mendoza showcased composure under pressure, and his standout moment came during red zone drills when he threw a precise touchdown pass to Tre Tucker, threading it through tight coverage.
Despite Mendoza's flashes of potential, the Raiders' front office and coaching staff are taking a cautious and deliberate approach to his transition as the starting quarterback. ESPN insiders highlighted that it is nearly “impossible” to predict a definitive timeline for Mendoza's regular-season debut. The team is prioritizing the overall roster structure, particularly the stabilization of an offensive line that faced challenges last season, before putting a rookie quarterback into live game action.
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While Mendoza works to process practice reps and learn from typical rookie mistakes, Cousins brings valuable experience and familiarity with head coach Klint Kubiak’s offensive scheme, thanks to their time together in Minnesota. Cousins mentioned that his comfort level with Kubiak was a key reason for joining the Raiders, and he acknowledged the importance of mentoring Mendoza to delay the rookie's transition to a starting role.
For Mendoza, learning from an experienced veteran is seen as a crucial developmental opportunity rather than a setback. During an appearance on “Inside Training Camp” with Rhett Lewis and Michael Robinson, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner explained how Cousins actively guides him through installation periods. Mendoza shared that Cousins frequently references specific film clips from his 2021 season in Minnesota to illustrate play concepts, providing the rookie with top-tier mental reps as Las Vegas works to build a sustainable foundation for the future.