What are the Raiders really planning for Fernando Mendoza?
The Raiders have a clear plan for Fernando Mendoza — and his next preseason test could reveal what's next.
The Las Vegas Raiders have made it clear that the development of Fernando Mendoza , the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft , will be a top priority during his rookie season. As part of that plan, the young quarterback is expected to see extended playing time in the first half of Thursday night's preseason matchup against the Houston Texans .
Fernando Mendoza continues to earn the Raiders' trust
During this week's joint practices between the Raiders and Texans, Mendoza worked with the first-team offense, gaining valuable reps against Houston's defense.
Head coach Klint Kubiak said he liked what he saw from the rookie but declined to offer a detailed evaluation.
"...I've got to watch the tape," Kubiak said when asked about Mendoza's performance.
Even so, Kubiak made it clear that Mendoza, along with the rest of the team's young players, still needs to adjust to the speed and intensity of the NFL , a natural part of the rookie learning curve.
Kirk Cousins remains the starter
Barring a surprise, Fernando Mendoza will not open the season as the Raiders' starting quarterback . That role will remain with veteran Kirk Cousins , who enters the year as the leader of the offense.
While Cousins understands that Mendoza is viewed as the franchise's quarterback of the future, the veteran is expected to continue leading the team while also helping mentor and accelerate the rookie's development.
With 44,700 passing yards and 298 touchdown passes over his career , Cousins will look to add to those totals this season while preparing Mendoza to eventually become Las Vegas' franchise quarterback .
