Insider Drops Concerning Fernando Mendoza Bombshell After Practice

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

An insider has revealed that Fernando Mendoza is struggling in practice ahead of his first season in the pros. 

Mendoza isn’t expected to line up as the Las Vegas Raiders’ Week 1 starter. The rookie quarterback has shown flashes of brilliance, but also the kind of rough edges you’d expect from a 22‑year‑old fresh out of college.  

Mendoza lit Indiana up last season, delivering the school’s first national championship and cementing himself as the top prospect in his class. 

Optimism is high in Vegas following a dismal 2025 campaign with Geno Smith at QB.

However, reports out of camp say Mendoza’s footwork under center needs polish, as the speed of pro defenses has exposed some growing pains. 

ESPN’s Ryan McFadden noted Mendoza has struggled with his mechanics under pressure. The Raiders, with veteran Kirk Cousins already in the building, aren’t rushing the process.  

The Raiders signed Cousins just weeks before the draft, a surprise move after Atlanta cut ties.

“He’s had his fair share of growing pains, especially when playing under center, and mastering the footwork that comes with it,” McFadden wrote this week. “With veteran Kirk Cousins on the roster, the Raiders don’t feel like they need to rush Mendoza.”

Footage of the rookie in camp also leaked online last month.

Fernando Mendoza Isn’t Getting Many First-Team Reps

New head coach Klint Kubiak admitted back in April that the plan was never to throw Mendoza straight into the deep end. 

“You’d love him to be able to learn behind somebody,” Kubiak said. “It does help the player if they can sit behind a mature adult and watch how they run the show.”  

So far, Mendoza has been working mostly with second and third-team units during OTAs and minicamp. Coaches have praised his leadership, quick reads, and work ethic. 

“The Raiders have been patient with Mendoza’s adjustment to the next level, having him play mostly with the second and third teams during OTAs and minicamp,” McFadden also disclosed. “He has impressed many in the building with his work ethic, leadership qualities and ability to quickly find open targets for completions.”

While the struggles are real, they’re also expected, and the team is being patient. Cousins’ veteran presence gives them stability while Mendoza develops. 

Fortunately for the youngster, he has a trove of helpful advice with Tom Brady also in the building, although the former star had no time for his questions when they met earlier this month.