Overview
- Mendoza, which struggled in a rough practice on Sunday with an underthrow to Malik Benson and a 7-on-7 interception, remains the franchise quarterback of the future but is being eased into game reps.
- Head coach Klint Kubiak formally opened camp with Cousins as the starter and said the team will give the veteran the bulk of early reps to reduce pressure on the rookie.
- Coaches and teammates have praised Mendoza’s work ethic and progress learning Kubiak’s offense even as staff treat mistakes in practice as teachable moments.
- The Raiders will use padded practices and the Aug. 13 preseason game as key evaluation windows while roster factors—Cousins’ one-year guaranteed deal, Aidan O’Connell’s contract year, an improved offensive line and a thin receiver group—shape when Mendoza could take over.
- Analysts are split on how much Mendoza will play in 2026, with some projecting significant snaps if he develops quickly and others warning the team will wait until on-field performance proves readiness.