VEGAS SPORTS REPORT: Fernando Mendoza’s Impressive Debut Raises Stakes for Raiders

Ahead of Saturday’s preseason game in Houston, one of the Las Vegas Raiders’ fastest-evolving storylines is the pressure rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza is putting on starter Kirk Cousins.

Former Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza made an impressive debut in the Raiders’ preseason opener Thursday against the Arizona Cardinals. Mendoza played four series, going 10-of-16 for 97 yards, a touchdown, and a 100.3 passer rating.

Mendoza Turns Up the Heat

Kirk Cousins, signed in April to start and mentor the rookie, handled the opening series and went an efficient 5-of-6 with a touchdown. But Mendoza showed enough poise that head coach Klint Kubiak and his staff are considering giving him first-team reps in practice this week.

“We’re going to put a plan together this week,” Kubiak said. “That’s something we’re talking about as a coaching staff right now. Whether it’s Aidan O’Connell, Kirk, or Fernando, I would say all three of those guys deserve first-team reps.”

Rookie Could Earn More Reps

If he starts getting more meaningful reps with the first team this week and impresses again on Thursday in Houston (Aug. 20), the question then becomes how long Cousins remains the starter.

“[Mendoza] is going to continue to get better,” said Kubiak. “I think the thing that stood out for me is we put a lot on his plate, getting ready for the preseason game [which the Cardinals won 27-14], and he went out and executed the way he does in practice. Some guys, they get to the game, things change for them, things move fast, and they freak out. He was the opposite, very calm … getting the calls in. He was seeing coverage well. I like the way he moved in the pocket, got outside and extended some plays.”

Raiders Bolster Interior Run Defense

Addressing a glaring weakness after surrendering 156 rushing yards to Arizona, the Raiders signed veteran defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi. The 318-pound run-stuffer, who spent the last two seasons with the Houston Texans, gives Vegas immediate interior depth.

Golden Knights Priced Out of Larkin Sweepstakes

The Vegas Golden Knights appear out of the running for Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin.

According to The Athletic, Detroit is holding out for a top-line center in return—a price Vegas cannot match without dangling Jack Eichel. Despite depth needs created by Pavel Dorofeyev’s exit, Larkin’s $8.7 million cap hit and Detroit’s high asking price make a deal unlikely.

Las Vegas NBA Expansion Bids Accelerate

The race for a Las Vegas NBA franchise is heating up, with heavyweights Bill Foley, Jerry Colangelo, and Magic Johnson leading competing groups.

Adding another twist, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed an ownership group recently reached out to him. “I wouldn’t say no, but I’m not saying yes either,” White noted. Meanwhile, Bob Iger and Josh Kushner bowed out of the Vegas race following their record $12.5 billion purchase of the Los Angeles Lakers.