The Las Vegas Raiders have made it clear they're not rushing rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza into a prominent role, and now it looks like he might not even be the top backup when the regular season kicks off.
While the starting job is firmly in Kirk Cousins' hands, the battle for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart is heating up. Head coach Klint Kubiak has hinted that Aidan O'Connell, a familiar face in the Raiders' quarterback room, could leapfrog Mendoza for the backup role.
“We’ve got three guys that are ready to play. It’s going to be some hard decisions on who’s 1, who’s 2,” Kubiak said. “That’s not a decision we have to make today, but those are discussions that are ongoing.”
O'Connell has been a steady presence in the preseason, completing 18 of 33 passes for 198 yards. His regular-season résumé includes a 62% completion rate, 3,932 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions across 21 career appearances. That experience gives him an edge over Mendoza, who has yet to take a regular-season snap.
Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner out of college, has struggled with consistency in the preseason, throwing for 143 yards and two interceptions. Kubiak hasn't sugarcoated the rookie's readiness, suggesting that more time on the sidelines could be beneficial.
“He needs another three preseason games, and all those rookies do,” Kubiak said. “Now that the season is starting, the practice reps get smaller and that’s just life. But us as coaches, we’ve got to get them ready to play and keep developing.”
The Raiders' decision to stick with Cousins as the starter, even after Mendoza's strong debut in the preseason, underscores their commitment to a patient approach. The team has been criticized for not giving the rookie more first-team reps, but Kubiak and his staff are prioritizing long-term development over short-term excitement.
For now, Mendoza will have to bide his time, learning behind Cousins and competing with O'Connell for game-day relevance. If Cousins stumbles during the season, the Raiders might turn to the rookie, but it's clear they won't force him into action before he's ready.
This quarterback situation is part of a larger narrative for the Raiders, who are also dealing with injury concerns for running back Ashton Jeanty ahead of their Week 1 matchup. The team's focus remains on building a competitive roster, and the quarterback pecking order is just one piece of that puzzle.
As the season approaches, the Raiders' coaching staff will have to make a call on their backup QB. Whether it's O'Connell's experience or Mendoza's potential, the decision will shape the team's depth for the opening stretch. For now, the rookie might have to settle for a spot on the sidelines, watching and learning as the veterans take the field.
