We know rookie Fernando Mendoza will not be starting in the regular season. But in the preseason clash against the Arizona Cardinals, he looked like the star Las Vegas envisioned him to be when they drafted him. Fellow QB Kirk Cousins had a front-row seat for Mendoza’s first NFL game, but he does not seem interested in overwhelming the rookie with advice.

“I don’t wanna get in his way,” Cousins said after the game, via Vegas Sports Today. I think he knows what he’s doing and has a good feel and I don’t wanna overload him.”

Mendoza, the Las Vegas Raiders’ No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, made his preseason debut Thursday against the Arizona Cardinals and showed plenty to like despite the Raiders’ 27-14 loss. He finished 10-of-16 for 97 yards and a touchdown, leading four offensive series. He took over Cousins after the veteran, and the starter for the regular season, scored in the first offensive series.

That does not mean Cousins is refusing to help. He said he will offer something when he sees an opportunity, but he also recognizes that sometimes the best thing for a young quarterback is simply allowing him to process the experience himself.

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“If ever I am observing and I feel like I can offer a quick nugget here or there, I will. He’s a great question asker, so a lot of times he’ll just ask,” he said.

Cousins had previously shut down the idea of him being a mentor for Mendoza, an attribute long associated with him when the veteran signed his contract.

There was plenty for Mendoza to process in his first taste of NFL action. The rookie completed 62.5% of his passes and threw a 6-yard touchdown to Jack Bech, producing the kind of early flash that made his college career and draft status so intriguing. Mendoza also found receivers Malik Benson and Mike Washington on plays, and played under center.

He also became the first No. 1 overall pick since Baker Mayfield in 2018 to throw a touchdown in his first preseason game.

The offseason has been up-and-down for Mendoza so far. He struggled in the OTAs against the first-team defense. But in the opening week of training camp, Raiders insider Levi Edwards noted Mendoza’s command in the huddle and his ability to communicate at the line of scrimmage while working with the second unit.

His preseason appearance was the next step. Head coach Klint Kubiak has already said that Mendoza will get more reps in the preseason, and after yesterday’s performance, fans have genuine reason to be excited.