Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza may not be playing much, but Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak revealed the rookie quarterback is doing everything possible to be ready for his opportunity.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15)
Updated
The Las Vegas Raiders have carefully managed Fernando Mendoza’s playing time during his rookie season. The first overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft has barely seen the field since his appearance against the New England Patriots, when he threw just eight passes. However, head coach Klint Kubiak shared a detail that should excite fans about the young quarterback’s development.
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What Klint Kubiak said about Fernando Mendoza’s work ethic
Kubiak said he has been pleasantly surprised by the mentality and work ethic Mendoza has shown since the start of the season.
“It’s a simple as me walking down the hall to get in the steam room. Everybody’s gone and he’s out here on the field by himself,” Kubiak told reporters.
Kubiak’s comments make clear that Mendoza is determined to be ready when his opportunity arrives. In the meantime, veteran Kirk Cousins continues to hold the starting job and has kept Las Vegas’ offense competitive, even with the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner waiting behind him.
Last Sunday, Cousins looked like his best self from his Minnesota Vikings days, throwing for 313 yards and two touchdowns against the Buffalo Bills. Although he threw an interception, the Raiders came close to pulling off the upset before falling 33-30 at Allegiant Stadium.
For now, Mendoza continues to use every practice to prove to the coaching staff that he is prepared when needed. An injury to Cousins or a desire to give the offense a different spark could open the door for the rookie, who keeps impressing Kubiak with the quiet work he puts in long after the rest of the team has left the field.