The Las Vegas Raiders have placed a cap on Fernando Mendoza and his playing time. The top pick of the 2026 NFL Draft last saw snaps against the New England Patriots, throwing just eight passes. But his head coach Klint Kubiak will excite Raider fans with Mendoza's work behind the scenes.

Kubiak has become pleased overall with how Mendoza has attacked this season.

“It’s a simple as me walking down the hall to get in the steam room. Everybody’s gone and he’s out here on the field by himself,” Kubiak told reporters on Wednesday, while adding he's very pleased with Mendoza's work ethic. Plus Kubiak adds how Mendoza is literally doing things that even the franchise doesn't ask him to do, yet still does.

Kubiak said he’s “very pleased” with how Fernando Mendoza is developing. Doing more than the Raiders are asking of him, Kubiak said.

“It’s a simple as me walking down the hall to get in the steam room. Everybody’s gone and he’s out here on the field by himself.”

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This shines a light on Mendoza staying ready for the moment. Current starter Kirk Cousins has done an admirable job of leading the Raiders offense. Even with the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner as his backup and waiting in the wings.

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Yet Cousins looked efficient and very much like his past Pro Bowl self with the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday: Throwing for 313 yards and tossing two touchdowns against the Buffalo Bills. He threw one interception, but the Raiders nearly stunned the AFC contender by falling 33-30 at Allegiant Stadium.

So Mendoza is showing that he'll be beyond prepared for the moment when Kubiak calls his name. Cousins can still be an injury away from watching the rookie takeover. Or Kubiak has the power to throw in Mendoza to create an offensive spark if needed. But Mendoza is impressing the first-year head coach with his post practice work.