Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza will start Week 12 against the Cleveland Browns, the team confirmed after trading Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings.
The Raiders (4-5) had planned to activate Mendoza for that game even without the trade, sources told NFL Network. That plan depended on Las Vegas losing to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday and to the Denver Broncos on November 22.
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Las Vegas traded Cousins to Minnesota on Tuesday for a 2027 third-round draft pick. Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak said Mendoza will run the full offense and called him exceptionally prepared.
"His teammates know how prepared he is," Kubiak said. "It's not just lip service — he has shown it on the practice field."
Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and reigning Heisman Trophy winner, trained under veteran quarterback coach Mike Sullivan. Before each play in practice, Mendoza called the play for Sullivan away from the group, then rehearsed footwork as if he were the starter while Cousins took first-team reps.
During games, Sullivan and Mendoza stood 30 yards from the action so Mendoza could call plays, make pre-snap checks, and observe Cousins’ execution. After each practice, they reviewed film of Mendoza’s scout-team work and repeated miscues. He also studied opposing offenses to broaden his understanding.
Though Cousins took nearly all first-team passing reps, Mendoza received occasional snaps — such as during rushing offense drills — to ease his integration. Now, with Cousins gone, Mendoza assumes full responsibility as Las Vegas’ starting quarterback.
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