Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza took a significant step in his NFL development Tuesday, receiving extensive first-team reps during the team's joint practice with the Houston Texans. This marked the first time the No. 1 pick worked with the starters in a session, a move orchestrated by head coach Klint Kubiak.
"I wanted to see him going against the Texans' ones," Kubiak stated. "That was our plan all along. I thought he did some good things. I look forward to watching the tape. But just he and his teammates, all these young guys that we're playing, we've got to get them up to speed real quick."
Mendoza previously played in the Raiders' preseason-opening loss to the Arizona Cardinals, completing 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown over four drives. He acknowledged that playing in the NFL is a "different level."
The joint practice presented a higher level of competition. Mendoza faced the Texans, who ranked as the No. 1 defense in yardage allowed last season. While not perfect, Mendoza successfully connected with tight end Brock Bowers for a substantial gain after evading pressure.
Mendoza earned praise from Houston defensive end Will Anderson Jr. following the practice. "Ton of respect for him…He's going to be a really great quarterback in this league," Anderson said.
Although Kirk Cousins was named the starting quarterback ahead of training camp, Mendoza is viewed as the future for the Raiders. The team is implementing deliberate steps to develop the Heisman Trophy winner, with Tuesday's joint practice being a key part of that process.