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Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis says he feels no pressure to rush backup QB Fernando Mendoza

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In short

Franchise owner Mark Davis emphasized that having veteran Kirk Cousins, who holds the second-most passing touchdowns in the league this season, allows the team to remain competitive at 4-4 without rushing Fernando Mendoza. The rookie quarterback, who led the Indiana Hoosiers to a 2026 National Championship, has made just one appearance where he completed six of eight passes. Additionally, Mendoza is utilizing this developmental period to learn directly from retired legend and minority owner Tom Brady. This collaborative structure gives the team flexibility to prioritize the young quarterback's long-term acclimation to the NFL.

Key points

  • Mark Davis is committed to keeping Fernando Mendoza on the bench until he fully masters p…: Mark Davis is committed to keeping Fernando Mendoza on the bench until he fully masters professional football.
  • The presence of Kirk Cousins provides Las Vegas the stability needed to avoid rushing the…: The presence of Kirk Cousins provides Las Vegas the stability needed to avoid rushing their rookie draft pick.
  • Mentorship from minority owner Tom Brady serves as an integral part of Mendoza's ongoing…: Mentorship from minority owner Tom Brady serves as an integral part of Mendoza's ongoing mental preparation.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis says he feels no pressure to rush backup quarterback Fernando Mendoza onto the field. The No. 1 overall draft pick's popularity has fueled questions about when he will become the team's starting quarterback.

“From me, there’s absolutely no pressure whatsoever,” Davis told CNBC Sport’s Michael Ozanian in an interview Monday. "I'm really happy with the way it is with Fernando right now," he added.

Davis called Mendoza a hard worker and a "sponge." He said that the rookie has been working with Tom Brady, the Raiders' minority owner and a retired superstar quarterback. Davis also believes Mendoza can learn behind veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins.

“That’s why I think we are so fortunate to get Kirk Cousins as somebody that could bridge the gap and let this young man learn a lot about what football is in the pros, the speed of the game, the things that have to be done,” Davis said. “And again, he’s picking it up great.”

The Raiders have faced growing scrutiny over when to play Mendoza following a four-game losing…

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