Next Step for Mendoza, Raiders Ahead of Preseason Finale

As the Las Vegas Raiders move closer to the first week of the regular season, they have made just about all of the roster additions they will make. Training camp and the preseason have given Klint Kubiak and the Raiders a chance to further develop each player on the roster.

Few players' development is more critical than that of No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. Las Vegas' front office and coaching staff have not hidden their plans to take as much time as possible to get Mendoza to a point where he can eventually become the team's starting quarterback.

The addition of Kirk Cousins has bought Las Vegas time, but Kubiak and the Raiders' coaching staff are putting all they can on Mendoza's plate to help him get ready sooner rather than later. Las Vegas has not given a clear answer on when Mendoza will start his first game.

They may not have one at the moment, as it may be based more on gut feel and what the coaching staff sees in practice. It could be based equally on Cousins' performance, his health, and the team's performance overall. Still, the Raiders' second preseason game was telling.

The Raiders started Mendoza behind the second-string offensive line, as they decided to rest their starters against the Houston Texans. That gave Mendoza valuable reps, many of which were not the best, but will help move his development along.

Las Vegas' practice and preseason matchup against the Texans was likely the highest-quality action he has seen as a professional. Thursday night's win gave Mendoza a long list of issues he still needs to work on. Mendoza is unquestionably talented and undoubtedly the future. Still, he needs more work.

Inside the Mind of Mendoza

Aug 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) throws the ball against the Arizona Cardinals in the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Mendoza's outing against the Arizona Cardinals in the team's first preseason game was much better than his outing against the Texans. Mendoza's interception that was returned for a touchdown was a sign of how much more he needs to develop before Las Vegas can comfortably name him the starter.

The good news about Mendoza, and what stands out about him, is that he seems to move on from mistakes quickly in the moment, while also taking the time afterward to learn from his mistakes. The rookie gave insight into what he learned from his outing against the Texans.

“It was a play action play and went through my progression. Probably should have checked it down to the flat. Saw the flat player and at that point, I started backing up and threw the checkdown to Mike Washington and it was not a good throw. We weren't on the same page, and it was an interception,” Mendoza said following the game.

“I came away that there's a lot more learning to do and that although that maybe you had a lot of success at another level, this level is a whole step further and the margins are so small and that one tiny mistake can lead to catastrophe, so I want to make sure that I best serve my teammates and get better from these experiences.”

The mistakes Mendoza has made are not unique to him, as plenty of rookies make the same or similar mistakes. If anything, it is better that he gets them out in practice and preseason. His mistakes have been minimal; if he can clean up the timing issues, he will be fine.

Measuring Mendoza

Mendoza is all but sure to play in a game well before he starts one. His continued progression will be expedited by meaningful repetitions in the regular season. Janocko shared his thoughts on where Mendoza must continue to grow.

“I think for him, it's just getting to the top of his drop, going through his progression, and then tying the timing with the progression, and then if things aren't there, then moving on and being able to either check the ball down or use your legs and go run,” Janocko said before practice on Sunday morning.

"I think just his approach to his preparation is something that really stands out about him. How he approaches every day, how he is coming to ask questions. He's trying to get better on every single aspect. He tries not to leave any detail, any stone unturned and he tries to master the details of his craft."

Add us as a preferred source on Google