Fernando Mendoza embracing current "following role" with Raiders

Published July 30, 2026 01:37 PM Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak made it clear that Kirk Cousins is the team’s starting quarterback entering training camp, with rookie signal-caller Fernando Mendoza part of the group that will push the veteran. On Thursday, Mendoza once again reiterated how he’s just fine doing what’s best for the team to help Las Vegas win, noting that at this point he’s taking a “following role.” “I’m just trying to do my part and focus on the next rep and do everything that I can possibly can to prepare myself to be the best asset I can for my team and whatever decision is made at the end, that’s fantastic,” Mendoza said, via Sam Gordon of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “I’m all for it. I just want the team to win. That’s where I’m at.”The quarterback’s comfort level with the scheme is improving, as he said he’s feeling more like a Raider rather than a new rookie on the scene.“Every day, it’s more and more reps that I get, I feel like the entire team improves,” Mendoza said. “The more experience you put out there on the field, the more beneficial for everybody.” While Mendoza feels like he has a better understanding of the Raiders’ new offense, he admitted there is plenty for him to improve.“I still have a long way to go,” Mendoza said, via Sam Warren of TheAthletic.com. “I feel more comfortable, but I’m nowhere near where I need to be, especially with learning the playbook. I still need to go a long longer and attack the playbook harder.“I’m still ways away.”