Photo Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images
The Las Vegas Raiders held quarterback Kirk Cousins and defensive end Maxx Crosby out of Saturday’s practice as a disciplinary measure following their heated altercation during Friday’s training camp session.
Both players participated in stretching and individual drills but did not take part in team periods. Raiders coach Klint Kubiak said Cousins and Crosby will return to practice Monday after the team takes Sunday off.
“We have very clear expectations on how we want to practice and how we want to go about our business, and we violated that yesterday, so [we] held those guys out,” Kubiak said. “That’s all I’m going to say about it. We addressed it with the team, and we’re moving on.”
Cousins and Crosby exchanged words and had to be separated by teammates during Friday’s practice. Crosby hit Cousins’ throwing arm twice during the team period, with the second contact prompting the veteran quarterback to confront the defensive end.
Both players remained in Friday’s practice after the incident, but Kubiak said the altercation crossed the line and that he expected more from two of the team’s leaders.
Defensive tackle Jonah Laulu and guard Caleb Rogers also took part in a separate confrontation Friday, but the team allowed both players to participate in Saturday’s practice.
Fernando Mendoza Gets First-Team Reps
With Cousins sidelined from team drills, rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza received his first opportunity to work with the starting offense during training camp.
The No. 1 overall pick showed some inconsistency early, including a few inaccurate throws and issues with the snap, but finished the practice strongly. Mendoza threw touchdown passes to Tre Tucker and Brock Bowers during the red-zone period.
He also completed five consecutive passes during the two-minute drill to put the Raiders in position for a field goal.
Mendoza’s development remains a major storyline for Las Vegas as the team prepares for the regular season. Cousins will likely enter the season as the starter, but the Raiders view Mendoza as their potential quarterback of the future.
“We want to get [Mendoza] to be even better, but we’re pleased with where [he’s] at right now,” quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan said.
Mendoza will have another opportunity to impress the coaching staff when the Raiders return to practice Monday.
Crosby Continues to Push the Limits
Crosby has developed a reputation for bringing an intense approach to practice, and the Raiders have previously discussed with him how to manage that intensity.
The star pass rusher is also working his way back from knee surgery, making his ability to stay healthy and on the field particularly important for Las Vegas.
Crosby acknowledged that his aggressive style can sometimes lead him across the line.
“I practice one way. I know that I push the line, and sometimes I go over the line,” Crosby said.
The Raiders will hope Friday’s incident remains an isolated training camp moment as they prepare for their preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday.
