Raiders coach says rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza needs more preseason play

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak said rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza "needs another three preseason games, and all those rookies do," after the team’s 18-12 preseason loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday. Kubiak added that practice repetitions will decrease once the regular season begins, emphasizing the need for continued development.

When asked whether a starter would be named after veteran Kirk Cousins threw two series in his second preseason start, Kubiak declined to answer, stating, "I still don't think we need to name anybody. We have a lot to talk about at a lot of positions, so we want to watch the film and talk about everything as a staff."

The Raiders are not required to designate a Week 1 starter for their September 13 opener against the Miami Dolphins. Kubiak had previously indicated that a veteran would start the season while Mendoza works toward readiness. The coaching staff has highlighted the transition from Mendoza’s college shotgun system to Kubiak’s offense, which relies more on under-center and play-action concepts.

Mendoza completed 7 of 14 passes for 57 yards, threw one interception and was sacked twice in five drives against San Francisco. He struggled on play-action attempts, completing 1 of 4 for six yards, and was pressured six times, indicating areas for improvement in reading rushers and executing under-center snaps.

Mendoza acknowledged the learning curve, saying the experience of facing “monsters” on defense teaches him to release the ball quickly and operate with less margin for error. The Raiders will continue to evaluate his progress before deciding on a regular-season starter.