Raiders focus on developing quarterbacks Mendoza and O’Connell
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 10, 2026, 9:45 PM
Last updated Aug 10, 2026
The Las Vegas Raiders are emphasizing the readiness of quarterbacks Fernando Mendoza and Aidan O'Connell as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season. With Kirk Cousins established as the starting quarterback, both Mendoza and O’Connell must be game-ready due to Cousins’ short-term role. Recent practices allowed Mendoza to showcase his abilities while Cousins rested, highlighting the importance of backup quarterbacks' development under limited practice opportunities. The team is set to open preseason play next week, intensifying preparations for both Mendoza and O’Connell.
- •Kirk Cousins is Raiders' starting quarterback.
- •Fernando Mendoza was the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
- •Mendoza showed promise during practice while Cousins rested.
- •Practice opportunities for backups are limited before the preseason opener.
- •The Raiders’ upcoming preseason game will serve as a test for the quarterbacks.
- 9:45 PMYahoo Sports — Getting Fernando Mendoza, Aidan O’Connell game-ready vital for Raiders
"Kirk Cousins is starting quarterback but development, comfort level of backup signal callers important for Las Vegas
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