Fernando Mendoza Gets First-Team Reps in Raiders-Texas Joint Practice

On August 13, 2026, the Las Vegas Raiders held a joint practice with the Houston Texans in Houston. Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the 2026 No. 1 overall draft selection, received his first snaps with the Raiders’ first-team offense against the Texans’ starting defense. The practice was intended to give the rookie “real-game” reps and gauge his readiness against a top defensive unit.

Fernando Mendoza gets some work against Texans’ 1st team

Mendoza entered the NFL as the Raiders’ presumed franchise quarterback, while veteran Kirk Cousins was slated as the starter for Week 1. Head coach Klint Kubiak, in his first season, has emphasized rapid development and has used the joint-practice format—an intense, controlled-chaos drill—to accelerate learning.

Raiders Joint Practice With Texans Matters More Than Thursday’s Preseason Game

Kubiak said the decision to give Mendoza first-team reps was pre-planned, aiming to test the rookie against “the Texans’ ones.” Cousins noted he was pleased to see Mendoza “pick up the system quickly.” Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud offered a positive assessment of Mendoza’s talent. Mendoza described the experience as a “great learning experience,” emphasizing that mistakes are part of his development.

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• In the Raiders’ preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals, Mendoza completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and one touchdown.

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• Practice reports indicated that Mendoza threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown; Cousins also recorded a pick-six during the same session.

Raiders' Klint Kubiak explains Fernando Mendoza decision for joint practice with Texans

• The Texans’ defense applied consistent pressure throughout Mendoza’s reps.

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Reporters observed Mendoza delivering “nice throws” and showing poise in the red-zone, while also noting the red-zone interception as a learning moment. The practice featured strong performances from tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty, while the Raiders’ run defense struggled. Texans defensive lineman Will Anderson praised Mendoza’s potential, and Raiders wideout Jack Bech highlighted his composure.

Fernando Mendoza gets some work against Texans’ 1st team

Sources differ on which quarterback threw the pick-six during the joint practice: some attribute the interception return to Mendoza, while others say Cousins also threw a pick-six. No definitive play-by-play breakdown has been released, leaving the exact distribution of turnovers unclear.

Fernando Mendoza kept it all the way real and authentic after an up-and-down practice against the Houston Texans

• “I wanted to see him going against the Texans’ ones,” — Klint Kubiak

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• “I think he's a good player,” — J. Stroud

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• “I think it’s a great learning experience,” — Fernando Mendoza

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• “Just the amount of poise that he had to go out there to be able to get through all his progressions, make amazing throws,” — Jack Bech

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• “I understand what I signed up for, and we’re all in this together,” — Kirk Cousins

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The Raiders will face the Texans in a preseason game later that week, providing another opportunity to evaluate Mendoza’s performance against the same defense. The outcome could influence depth-chart decisions as the regular season approaches.

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