Fernando Mendoza gains first-team reps with Raiders during joint practice
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 19, 2026, 2:00 AM
Last updated Aug 19, 2026

Fernando Mendoza took a significant step towards becoming the Las Vegas Raiders' starting quarterback this week during joint practices with the Houston Texans. The rookie quarterback received extensive first-team reps, an opportunity noted by head coach Klint Kubiak as beneficial for Mendoza against a formidable defense. Earlier this summer, Mendoza impressed in his NFL debut against the Arizona Cardinals, completing 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and one touchdown. This experience is expected to help accelerate his adaptation to the NFL.
- •Mendoza participated in first-team reps during practice on August 18.
- •Klint Kubiak emphasized the need for Mendoza to face tough competition.
- •Mendoza performed well in his preseason debut vs. the Cardinals.
- •The Texans had the top-ranked defense in yardage allowed last season.
- 2:00 AMYahoo Sports — Fernando Mendoza takes big step towards being Raiders' starting quarterback
"Fernando Mendoza had an opportunity this week, and he took it.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NFL•Aug 19, 2026, 3:31 AM‘Deshaun Watson Is Not the Future’ — Former NFL CB Demands Browns Hand QB Job to Shedeur Sanders
NFL•Aug 19, 2026, 3:11 AMArizona Cardinals 2 battles at ILB
NFL•Aug 19, 2026, 3:04 AM‘What On Earth’ — Sports World Reacts As Jason Kelce, Travis Kelce’s Company Urges People to Mail In Their Pee
NFL•Aug 19, 2026, 2:49 AMMike LaFleur missed out on more joint practices
NFL•Aug 19, 2026, 2:40 AMPackers LB Zaire Franklin Gets Honest on Chirping With Tucker Kraft
NFL•Aug 19, 2026, 2:35 AMRaiders’ Maxx Crosby Received Major Praise From Several Notable Texans
