The Raiders’ quarterback situation is drawing attention again, but owner Mark Davis isn’t sounding rushed to make a change.
Las Vegas is 4-4 heading into Sunday’s matchup with the San Francisco 49ers after opening the year 3-0 and then sliding back to the pack. The 49ers come in at 6-1, which makes this a tough spot for the Raiders no matter who is under center. Right now, veteran Kirk Cousins is the starter, while rookie Fernando Mendoza waits behind him.
Davis addressed the topic Monday during an appearance on CNBC, and he made it clear he doesn’t feel any urgency to push Mendoza into the lineup.
According to reporter Adam Hill of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Davis said he feels "absolutely no pressure whatsoever" to have Mendoza start this season.
"Today, there's a lot of pressure put on teams when they draft a guy No. 1 that you have to play him right away," Davis said, per Hill. "That's why I think we were so fortunate to get Kirk Cousins as someone who could bridge the gap and let this young man learn a lot about what football is in the pros, the speed of the game, and the things that have to be done."
Davis also said, "And he's picking it up great, but I think we're fortunate he doesn't have to go out and play."
That leaves the Raiders in a pretty clear place for now. Davis is praising Mendoza’s progress, but he’s also emphasizing that Cousins is there to hold things down while the rookie develops. Based on those comments, Mendoza doesn’t look close to taking over anytime soon.
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