Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza will make his first career start against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. He steps into the starting lineup after the Raiders traded Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings prior to this Week 10 matchup. Head coach Klint Kubiak showed full confidence in Mendoza when speaking to reporters during Wednesday's practice.
“Went well, he’s prepared,” Kubiak replied to questions about how Mendoza handled his first regular-season practice as QB1. Prior to the Cousins trade, Mendoza had been taking his reps with the second-team offense. It's encouraging to hear that he stepped into the starring role flawlessly.
The reigning Heisman Trophy winner will face a stiff test versus a battle-tested Seahawks defense.
Mike Macdonald's unit will understandably be excited about facing a rookie quarterback in his first career start. Mendoza is tasked with navigating the challenge.
"His [Mendoza] daily preparation has been up to standard, and now he’s got to go prove it in the game," Kubiak continued about how Mendoza has handled the aftermath of the unexpected Cousins trade.
Raiders fans knew Mendoza's time was eventually coming. It arrived faster than expected, but the Raiders couldn't reject the Vikings' offer of a third-round pick for Cousins. Coach Kubiak has expressed complete faith in Mendoza's ability to handle what's ahead.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Raiders HC Klint Kubiak has full faith in Fernando Mendoza
