Raiders prepare Fernando Mendoza to be ready as an emergency quarterback

The Las Vegas Raiders are emphasizing the need for rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza to be prepared to play immediately following the events of the NFL season opener. During Wednesday night's game, Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Sam Darnold exited early with a hip injury, forcing backup Drew Lock to lead the team to a 13-10 win. Raiders offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko noted that the team is using that situation to illustrate how quickly a backup's role can shift from the sideline to the field. Although Kirk Cousins currently holds the starting position in Las Vegas, Mendoza secured the primary backup spot after competing against Aidan O'Connell during training camp. Coaches maintain that Mendoza is continuing his professional development and remains one snap away from entering the game.

• 6:30 PMYahoo Sports — Raiders using Seahawks win as example why Fernando Mendoza needs to be ready