Fernando Mendoza gets first-team reps, impresses at joint practice with Texans

Kirk Cousins has been quarterbacking the Raiders' first string offense throughout training camp, but today rookie Fernando Mendoza got some first-team work at the joint practice with the Texans. Raiders coach Klint Kubiak said after practice that he wanted to give Mendoza an opportunity to show what he could do against the Texans' starting defense, and Kubiak was pleased with how Mendoza responded. "I wanted to see him going against the Texans' ones," Kubiak said. "That was our plan all along. I thought he did some good things. I look forward to watching the tape. He and his teammates, all these young guys that were playing, we've got to get them up to speed real quick." Cousins said after practice that he was happy to give up some first-team reps for Mendoza. "He did a great job," Cousins said. "He's well prepared, made some great plays and he's continuing to do what he's supposed to do and pick up the system quickly." Kubiak has indicated that Cousins is the favorite to start in Week One of the regular season, but Mendoza is going to get a lot of work in the remaining two preseason games. "He's going to get lots of reps this preseason," Kubiak said. "He needs every one of them."