Overview
- Tuesday’s joint practice in Houston was an intentional test by coach Klint Kubiak that gave Mendoza extended reps with the Raiders’ first‑team offense against the Texans’ starters.
- Mendoza delivered a spectacular sideline throw to Brock Bowers but also threw a red‑zone interception that Jalen Pitre returned 75 yards for a touchdown and had a misread on a snap and handoff.
- Houston’s defensive front generated consistent pressure with Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter and Jadeveon Clowney recording sacks of both Kirk Cousins and Mendoza and Kamari Lassiter returning a Cousins interception for a pick‑six.
- The Texans’ offense had success too, highlighted by David Montgomery’s multiple explosive runs and Woody Marks catching a touchdown against the Raiders’ first‑team defense.
- Coaches from both teams will lean on film review and the upcoming preseason game reps to update depth charts because joint practices this week have become a primary, compressed window for roster decisions.