Yahoo Sports NFL on Fernando Mendoza

Raiders trade Cousins to start Mendoza; confident in rookie's readiness.

The Raiders traded Kirk Cousins to Minnesota for a 3rd-round pick, opening the door for the Raiders' No. 1 overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza to start. The source reports the Raiders wouldn't have made the trade unless confident Mendoza was ready to play; they've been pleased by how good Mendoza has looked in practice reps recently. Coach Klint Kubiak had a plan not to rush Mendoza, but the trade signals the organization believes he is ready.

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