Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza sees first-team reps in joint practice

Rookie running back Fernando Mendoza was given first-team repetitions during a joint practice between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Houston Texans, marking his first exposure to the Raiders' primary offensive unit this preseason.

Raiders offensive coach Klint Kubiak said the plan was to test Mendoza against the Texans' starting defense and expressed satisfaction with his performance, noting he would review the tape and work to get the young players up to speed quickly.

"I wanted to see him going against the Texans’ ones. That was our plan all along. I thought he did some good things. I look forward to watching the tape. He and his teammates, all these young guys that were playing, we’ve got to get them up to speed real quick."

Quarterback Kirk Cousins also commented after the session, saying he was pleased to hand over some first-team reps and praised Mendoza for his preparation and playmaking.

"He did a great job. He’s well prepared, made some great plays and he’s continuing to do what he’s supposed to do and pick up the system quickly."

Kubiak indicated that Cousins remains the favorite to start the regular season, but Mendoza is expected to receive significant playing time in the remaining preseason games.

"He’s going to get lots of reps this preseason. He needs every one of them."