Fernando Mendoza set for Raiders preseason debut Thursday
By Michael
Fernando Mendoza preseason debut: what Kubiak said
Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza will see action in Thursday's preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals, coach Klint Kubiak confirmed Tuesday. Kubiak has said he wants Mendoza to push the starter and that the rookie will get game reps, per @ryanmcfadden_, though the exact volume of playing time has not been specified.
Kirk Cousins, the 15-year veteran the Raiders signed to lead the offense, is the clear starter. Kubiak called Cousins "the guy" and said he deserves reps based on how he has played.
What this means for dynasty rosters
Mendoza is the No. 1 pick in this year's NFL draft. He is behind Cousins on the depth chart right now, so there is no immediate redraft value. Dynasty managers should treat Thursday as a scouting opportunity. Watch the situations Mendoza is put in and how he handles them, not just the stat line from a preseason game.
If Cousins holds the starting job into the regular season, Mendoza has no fantasy relevance in the short term. That changes only if the depth chart shifts.