Training Camp Progress
Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza is making strides in training camp, receiving first-team reps alongside presumed starter Kirk Cousins. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft reportedly earned extra reps with the first-team offense on Tuesday, facing the Houston Texans' defense in a joint practice.
After practice, Mendoza expressed enthusiasm about his experience, saying, "To get some reps with the ones against the superstars on their defense — and obviously their twos are fantastic, as well. We got so much work, whether it was move the ball first down, third down, red zone, two-minute. There are so many situations, and I believe overall it was a positive day."
He continued: "There were plays that I loved and plays that I wish I had back, but in reality, that's a lie. I wish I didn't have them back because it's growing experience and it's practice. It's practice, and this is what I love. It's a beautiful day to play football out here, and I'm so happy. I have so many things to learn from today."
A New Nickname
Mendoza's joyful approach to practice caught the attention of Rich Eisen on 'The Rich Eisen Show,' where the host dubbed him the "Sesame Street of QBs."
"This is the greatest," Eisen said. "It's as if he is the quarterback of Sesame Street."
Eisen playfully elaborated: "Today's practice is brought to you by the No. 1. ... Or today's practice could be sponsored by the No. 2 because the Texans twos are really, really good, as well. And I absolutely loved the experience, including my failures. Yes, children. You can learn from your mistakes."
He added, "It's so fresh and so awesome. I just want to hug him and root for him."
The moniker follows a comparison to former Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, who was known for helping up defenders after plays. Eisen rebutted that comparison, citing Mendoza's response to a hard shot to the chin during a game against Ohio State. Eisen closed with, "This is a new autumn wind, baby."
Praise from Texans
Mendoza's performance in the joint practice also drew praise from Houston Texans players. Quarterback C.J. Stroud said, "I think he's a good player. I think he'll have a lot of success in the league if he continues to be himself and put God first." Stroud added, "Of course, what they put around him matters. I think he has a great coach and a great play caller, so I think he'll do well."
Texans edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. echoed the sentiment, saying, "A ton of respect for him. I loved his energy."
Stroud's praise carries weight given his own rookie season, where he threw for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year. However, Stroud has since had back-to-back uneven years, including 20 interceptions in each of the past two seasons.
Starter Status and Outlook
Despite Mendoza's impressive camp, veteran Kirk Cousins has been named the Raiders' Week 1 starter. Reports suggest the Raiders could sit Mendoza for most, if not all, of the 2026 season if things go well. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said, "Still Kirk Cousins to be the starter," and noted that "it doesn't seem like it is going to be right away in the 2026 season."
Mendoza's preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals saw him go 10-of-16 for 97 yards and a touchdown, though he felt he "let his teammates down" on some plays.
The joint practice also saw tempers flare between Cousins and Texans defensive end Maxx Crosby, adding a competitive edge to the session. Mendoza's continued development, combined with Cousins' veteran presence, sets up an intriguing quarterback situation for the Raiders as the season approaches.