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Las Vegas Raiders manage quarterback transition with Cousins and Mendoza
The Las Vegas Raiders are managing a transition at the quarterback position as they prepare for the regular season. Veteran Kirk Cousins is expected to serve as the starting QB1, acting as a bridge for the franchise while rookie No. 1 overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza develops.
During recent joint practices with the Houston Texans, the team faced several challenges. Cousins expressed frustration over physical contact to his arm, noting that such hits can ruin a season. Meanwhile, the Raiders' offensive line struggled against the Texans' pass rush. Despite some rocky moments in practice, Mendoza has received praise from coaches for his performance and ability to thread passes against elite defenses.
Head coach Klint Kubiak has emphasized the need for players to increase their pace. For the upcoming preseason game against the Texans, the Raiders plan to give Mendoza significant playing time, with expectations that he will participate throughout much of the first half. Mendoza continues to gain attention not only for his play but also for his unique, articulate communication style developed during his collegiate career.
Entities
CJ Stroud · Fernando Mendoza · Houston Texans · Kirk Cousins · Klint Kubiak · Las Vegas Raiders · Tyler Linderbaum
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Raiders offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak expects the joint practice to be extremely competitive.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Texans' secondary recorded 19 interceptions last season.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The joint practice is scheduled for Tuesday ahead of a Week 2 preseason game on Thursday.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Las Vegas Raiders are traveling to Houston for joint practices with the Houston Texans.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Raiders' offensive line is seeking to prove its improvement against the Texans' defensive front.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Tyler Linderbaum is the Pro Bowl center for the Las Vegas Raiders.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Houston Texans finished the 2025 season with a 12-5 record.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Fernando Mendoza is the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. clutchpoints.com · www.whiskeyriff.com · www.nytimes.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Raiders are scheduled to play the Houston Texans in their second preseason game. clutchpoints.com · www.reviewjournal.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Head coach Klint Kubiak stated that rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza will receive significant playing time during the preseason. clutchpoints.com · www.reviewjournal.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Mendoza completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown in his preseason debut against the Arizona Cardinals. www.reviewjournal.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Kirk Cousins is the current starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders. clutchpoints.com · www.whiskeyriff.com