Why Isn’t Fernando Mendoza Playing for the Raiders Today? Insider Gives Timeline

The Las Vegas Raiders plan to keep rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza on the bench behind veteran starter Kirk Cousins for the foreseeable future. According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the franchise does not intend to play the No. 1 overall draft pick until the team potentially falls out of playoff contention. Head coach Klint Kubiak confirmed that Cousins remains the starter and there is no active quarterback controversy.

Despite Las Vegas entering Week 8 on a four-game losing streak, team officials believe Cousins is performing well and not the cause of the skid. Mendoza, who won a national championship and the Heisman Trophy at Indiana, continues to serve as the active primary backup while developing behind the scenes on the scout team.