RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 13: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Las Vegas Raiders leaves the field after the team's 27-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in a preseason game at Allegiant Stadium on August 13, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Thursday night, after his preseason debut, Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak called No. 1 overall pick , quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, an “ascending player.”
Friday morning, Kubiak said the coaching staff is working on a plan to get Mendoza more practice reps with the first-team offense. He did note that it’s important that all of the team’s quarterbacks get work with the first team. But it’s clear, Kubiak thinks Mendoza is ready for more challenges. It will be interesting to see if Mendoza gets first-team work against Houston’s strong defense in a joint practice Tuesday and in the preseason game Thursday.
Mendoza played from late in the first quarter to early in the fourth quarter in a 27-14 home loss to the Arizona Cardinals. He did not play with most starters. After watching the film, Kubiak praised Mendoza for his poise and game approach.
Mendoza was 10 of 16 for 97 yards with a touchdown pass and one sack. he wasn’t perfect, but there were some highlights for sure. Still, Kirk Cousins as excellent and aftert he game, Kubiak said the Week 1 (which is in 30 days) starting assignment is Cousins’ job to lose.
Still, Mendoza is showing that he is headed in the right direction.
In other notes from Kubiak’s session:
Cornerback Decamerion Richardson wasn’t at the game Thursday night because of the birth of his child.
Kubiak said second-year wide receiver Dont’e Thornton is expected to play in the preseason. He’s been dealing with an undisclosed injury for about a week.
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