In Henderson, Nevada, Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins and defensive end Maxx Crosby were suspended from team practice drills on Saturday. This decision followed a fight between the two players during a session the day before. The incident provided rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza an unexpected opportunity to lead the starting offense in training camp.
Coach Klint Kubiak commented, “We have very clear expectations about how we want to practice, how you go about our business. We violated that yesterday, so we held those guys out. That’s all I’m going to say about it. We addressed it with the team and we’re moving on.” The altercation required teammates to separate Cousins and Crosby after the quarterback charged the defensive end. Crosby had previously tipped a pass from Cousins, causing an incompletion. The physical difference was notable, with Crosby standing three inches taller and weighing 42 pounds more than Cousins.
The Raiders have a day off on Sunday and will return to practice on Monday morning. Kubiak hopes for a competitive, yet peaceful session between Cousins and Crosby. This break in routine allowed Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner from Indiana and the top pick in the NFL draft, to showcase his skills.
With Cousins on the sidelines, Mendoza connected with tight ends Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer, as well as wide receiver Tre Tucker for touchdowns. Despite some misfires, Mendoza demonstrated agility by evading defensive pressure and completing passes. “Fernando continues to improve, and the thing I think we’re very pleased about is from spring to the start of camp, there were some parts of this game we wanted him to improve upon and he has as we’ve added different layers and dimensions,” quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan stated. Sullivan praised Mendoza for learning from his mistakes, recognizing it as part of his development process.
Kubiak previously indicated that Mendoza would eventually run the first-team offense during camp. Mendoza’s chance to lead came at a strategic time, with the Raiders scheduled to play the Arizona Cardinals in their preseason opener on Thursday night. Although Kubiak has not disclosed his quarterback strategy for the game, Mendoza is expected to see early action, and possibly start. Cousins remains the anticipated starter for the season, yet Kubiak has made no assurances. The organization plans to transition to Mendoza during the season.
Regarding Mendoza’s growth, Sullivan noted, “The visual and verbal communication he’s made, certainly the ability to take snaps under center, those are things we’ve seen him improve upon. He’s going to continue to work on and we want him to still be even better. But we’re pleased with where that’s at right now.”
Injury Updates
Wide receiver Jalen Nailor returned to practice after an unspecified injury caused him to miss Friday’s session. However, defensive ends Kwity Paye and Keyron Crawford, along with wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr., remain out of action. During practice, Caleb Rogers, competing for the position at right guard with Jackson Powers-Johnson, appeared to injure his left arm or elbow but eventually returned. “I feel great,” Rogers assured without discussing specifics.
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