Klint Kubiak gets honest about Fernando Mendoza’s development

Fernando Mendoza is still waiting for his chance to get the keys to the Las Vegas Raiders’ offense, but he’s doing what he can behind the scenes to be ready.

For now, Mendoza remains in the shadow of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who is still the team’s QB1.

Asked about how he feels about Mendoza’s development, Kubiak told reporters that he’s “very pleased with where he’s [Mendoza] at, via Sam Gordon of Las Vegas Review-Journal. 

Although he’s appeared in only one game so far in his rookie season, Mendoza is putting in the work, and that hasn’t gone unnoticed by Kubiak, who is in his first year as an NFL head coach.

“It’s as simple as me walking down the hall here to go get in the steam room when everybody’s gone, and he’s out here on the field by himself,” Kubiak said of the former Indiana Hoosiers quarterback.

“He’s not the only guy who’s doing that, but he’s putting in the extra time.”

Selected first overall by the Raiders in the 2026 NFL Draft, Mendoza continues to serve as a backup despite his team’s recent losses. 

After winning their first three games of the season, the Raiders enter Week 7 on a three-game losing skid. It will be interesting to see what kind of role Mendoza might have if the Raiders continue their downward spiral. They can end their slump on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev.