Mark Davis says he is not pushing Raiders to start Fernando Mendoza
Kirk Cousins remains the starter with the Raiders at 4-4, while the No. 1 overall pick has appeared in one game.
Raiders owner Mark Davis says he is putting no pressure on the team to give rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza his first start, expressing satisfaction with his development while Kirk Cousins plays.
Speaking to CNBC in an interview reported by Adam Hill of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Davis said having Cousins allows Mendoza to learn the demands and pace of professional football without needing to play immediately.
The Raiders are 4-4 following a win over the Jets. Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick, has made one appearance this season: he completed 6-of-8 passes for 48 yards during the Week 5 defeat against the Patriots.
Davis said rushing quarterbacks into games can leave them without a full understanding of footwork and other details, potentially restricting their development. He did not specify when Mendoza might start.
The owner also praised Mendoza’s work ethic and willingness to learn, saying the quarterback is working with Tom Brady on several aspects of his development.
