Raiders coach says rookie quarterback Mendoza will see ample playing time in preseason debut

Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza is slated to receive substantial playing time in the team's preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals, head coach Klint Kubiak said on Tuesday.

Kubiak said the starters will also see action and Mendoza may get snaps alongside several members of the first-team offensive line, though he declined to detail the exact number of drives or repetitions planned.

The No. 1 overall pick in April's NFL draft has spent most of camp practicing with the second team, while veteran Kirk Cousins has been with the starters after being named the opening day quarterback. Mendoza joined the first-team unit for the first time on Saturday after Cousins missed practice following a confrontation with defensive end Maxx Crosby. The team is still assessing Crosby's availability after offseason knee surgery.

Kubiak praised Mendoza's preparation and his ability to adjust and avoid repeating mistakes during camp, adding that the upcoming game will test the rookie in a different way.

"I look forward to seeing him out there with his teammates. There are a lot of guys that we need to evaluate, but he will get plenty of reps," Kubiak said.

"That will be a whole other animal," he added.