LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The Las Vegas Raiders saw their first skirmishes of training camp Friday, including a notable altercation between Maxx Crosby and Kirk Cousins that ended in shoving and shouting before cooler heads prevailed.
Head coach Klint Kubiak addressed the incident after practice.
“That’s training camp, those are two leaders of our team going at it, so that is part of camp,” Kubiak said. “Obviously, in a game, you throw a punch and you’re out of the game, so we got to be smart and treat it like a game.”
MORE ON FOX5: Raiders offensive line a work in progress at training camp
Right guard competition continues
Competition at right guard has also drawn attention over the last two days, with Jackson Powers-Johnson and Caleb Rogers rotating with the first-team offense.
“It’s been the plan all along to get those guys competing, get guys mixed in there and see who our best five are, so it’s part of the plan,” Kubiak said.
Eyes on Mendoza as QB question looms
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick, has worked exclusively with the second-team offense so far in camp, leaving open the question of when he will take over with the first unit.
Kubiak said no position is locked in under the new staff.
“I mean this honestly, I’m not married to any position, we’re a new staff here, we’re trying to establish something and there is going to be competition everywhere,” Kubiak said. “We’ll sit here and let the tape reveal itself and we know — with O’Connell too — we have three NFL-ready quarterbacks, so we need to continue to getting them ready to play.”
Tight end Michael Mayer said Mendoza has handled the transition well.
“He’s done a tremendous job, believe me I know it’s not easy to come in here and learn a whole new offense and just come in here, pressure is on ya, eyes are on ya, and just go,” Mayer said. “It takes a second, but I’m so proud of him, he’s working, he’s leveling up so hard, and I can’t wait to see him keep working, keep a smile on his face every single day.”
Kubiak echoed that assessment, noting the daily challenges placed in front of the rookie.
“He’s continuing to get better, improving. Every day brings a new challenge, brought some crowd noise today, there are new things he’s learning every day,” Kubiak said. “He is working hard, like every other rookie, they’re introduced to a whole new level of football and there is going to be days of failure, days of success, and as long as they keep getting better, that’s what we’re looking for.”
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