Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins and defensive end Maxx Crosby were suspended from team drills at practice following their fight the day before, giving rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza his first opportunity in training camp to run the starting offense under coach Klint Kubiak.
Training Camp Shook by Veteran Altercation
The disciplinary action came down after Cousins and Crosby had to be separated by teammates during an intense practice session. The 37-year-old quarterback grew visibly upset when Crosby tipped his pass to force an incompletion. Cousins then charged the 6-foot-5, 256-pound defensive end, who stands three inches taller and weighs 42 pounds more than the veteran signal-caller.
“We have very clear expectations about how we want to practice, how you go about our business,” coach Klint Kubiak said. “We violated that yesterday, so we held those guys out. That’s all I’m going to say about it. We addressed it with the team and we’re moving on.”
The Raiders scheduled an off day before returning to the field, meaning their starting quarterback and star pass rusher will resume competition soon. Kubiak hopes the two competitors face off again without throwing punches.
Mendoza Steps Up to First-Team Offense
With Cousins watching from the sidelines, Fernando Mendoza seized his chance with the starters. The Heisman Trophy winner out of Indiana, who was selected first overall in the NFL draft, connected on touchdown passes to tight ends Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer as well as wide receiver Tre Tucker.
While facing the starting defense for the first time in camp, the rookie experienced some misfires. However, he flashed mobility by eluding pressure to find open targets downfield.
“Fernando continues to improve, and the thing I think we’re very pleased about is from spring to the start of camp, there were some parts of this game we wanted him to improve upon and he has as we’ve added different layers and dimensions,” quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan said. “He’s not repeating mistakes, which is always a good thing. It’s a long process. We’re pleased with how he’s developing.”
Did you know? Fernando Mendoza was selected first overall in the NFL draft after winning the Heisman Trophy at Indiana, and coaches have praised his ability to quickly correct mistakes without repeating them from spring workouts to training camp.
Preseason Outlook and Quarterback Timeline
The timing of Mendoza’s promotion to the first-team offense aligns closely with the team’s upcoming schedule. The Raiders open their preseason schedule against the Arizona Cardinals, and while Kubiak has not finalized his lineup plans, Mendoza is expected to see early playing time and potentially start.
Cousins remains the projected starter for the regular season opener, though Kubiak has made no promises. The Raiders are expected to turn to Mendoza at some point this season.
“The visual and verbal communication he’s made, certainly the ability to take snaps under center, those are things we’ve seen him improve upon,” Sullivan said. “He’s going to continue to work on and we want him to still want him to be even better. But we’re pleased with where that’s at right now.”
Roster Updates and Injury Notes
Aside from the quarterback and defensive end suspensions, the Raiders saw movement on the injury front. Wide receiver Jalen Nailor returned to practice after sitting out Friday with an unspecified injury. Meanwhile, defensive ends Kwity Paye and Keyron Crawford, alongside wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr., remained sidelined.
Offensive lineman Caleb Rogers, locked in a battle with Jackson Powers-Johnson at right guard, briefly alarmed onlookers after appearing to injure his left arm or elbow. Rogers quickly returned to action, offering a brief update: “I feel great,” without providing further specifics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were Kirk Cousins and Maxx Crosby suspended from drills?
Coach Klint Kubiak held both players out of team drills following a physical altercation during practice, where Cousins charged Crosby after the defensive end tipped a pass.
Who took over the first-team offense during the suspension?
Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza took his first training camp reps with the starting offense, throwing touchdowns to Brock Bowers, Michael Mayer, and Tre Tucker.
When do the Raiders play their next game?
The Raiders open their preseason schedule by hosting the Arizona Cardinals.
Will Kirk Cousins start the regular season?
Cousins is expected to be the starter when the season begins, though coach Kubiak has made no promises regarding the long-term job.
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