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Raiders Give Fernando Mendoza First-Team Reps vs Texans

8/21/2026

30 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Las Vegas Raiders gave rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza first-team reps in a joint practice with the Houston Texans.
Coach Klint Kubiak said the plan was to test Mendoza against the Texans’ defense.
Mendoza will play Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET in Houston, likely receiving most first-half snaps.
The Raiders plan to keep veteran Kirk Cousins as the regular-season starter, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported.

History

Historical Context

In the 1989 NFL draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected quarterback Troy Aikman first overall, and under new owner Jerry Jones and coach Jimmy Johnson he was thrust into first-team practice and the regular-season roster immediately. That early-integration approach, which helped launch the Cowboys’ 1990s dynasty, is echoed today as the Las Vegas Raiders have paired rookie Fernando Mendoza with the Houston Texans’ defense for joint drills.

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Story summary

The Las Vegas Raiders gave rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza first-team reps in a joint practice with the Houston Texans.
Coach Klint Kubiak said the plan was to test Mendoza against the Texans’ defense.
Mendoza will play Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET in Houston, likely receiving most first-half snaps.
The Raiders plan to keep veteran Kirk Cousins as the regular-season starter, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported.

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