Fernando Mendoza Finally Gets Shot With The Starters

Jun 9, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) and coach Klint Kubiak during minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Fernando Mendoza Finally Gets Shot With The Starters

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Tyler Bischoff | Last updated Aug 18, 2026 2:15 PM ET

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The Raiders are in Houston for joint practices with the Texans. Head coach Klint Kubiak decided this would be the time to give Fernando Mendoza reps with the starting offense.

Prior to Tuesday, the only time Mendoza played with the starting first-team offense was on the day Kirk Cousins was suspended for fighting Maxx Crosby. But that finally changed.

“I wanted to see him going against the Texans’ ones,” Kubiak said after Tuesday’s practice. “That was our plan all along. I thought he did some good things. I look forward to watching the tape. He and his teammates, all these young guys that were playing, we’ve got to get them up to speed real quick.”

Mendoza’s Development

The Raiders’ primary goal as an organization is to make Fernando Mendoza the best quarterback he can possibly be. Las Vegas has chosen to play it slow, adding Kirk Cousins as a veteran stopgap so Mendoza doesn’t need to start in Week 1.

But Mendoza hasn’t gotten many chances to develop alongside the best offensive players. Even in the preseason opener with Arizona, Mendoza played with the second-team offense. But getting preseason reps with the starters should be happening more, as there are no repercussions for Mendoza failing.

“It’s the best time for it to happen, especially against another team,” Mendoza said of an interception he threw in practice. “So I look forward to watching the film.”

The decision on splitting the quarterback snaps comes down to how much Kubiak wants to maximize the 2026 season. Cousins is a new quarterback with a new head coach. Giving him all of the first-team reps would be the easiest way to get the best out of the Raiders’ offense this season.

But this season doesn’t really matter. This is a rebuild. Giving Mendoza more and more reps with the starters would be the best way to develop him for the future.

Kubiak must balance what is more important for the Raiders.

Mendoza’s Interception

May 20, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) stretches during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images

In a red zone drill, Mendoza threw an interception while playing against the Texans’ starting defense.

“It’s a great learning experience,” Mendoza told the media. “I progressed through my progression. I thought the safety was a little deeper than he was, and at that point I might need to either put it lower on Ashton (Jeanty) so he stays away from the hit. But that’s the beautiful nature of film. We’re going to be able to go in there, watch and learn.”

Learning has been a key for Mendoza throughout camp. The top trait that Kubiak wants to see from his rookie quarterback is rebounding from mistakes.

Mendoza has had his share of struggles in camp, but has reportedly bounced back nicely even within the same practice. He’ll get another shot on Wednesday – and in Thursday’s preseason game – to show he has improved.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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