Cousins sharp in return for Raiders, Mendoza throws interception

Kirk Cousins returned as the Raiders’ starting quarterback Monday at the Intermountain Health Performance Center, resuming first‑team duties after a suspension by head coach Klint Kubiak for Saturday’s practice incident involving Maxx Crosby. Cousins opened 11‑on‑11 drills with goal‑to‑go touchdowns to tight ends Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer, added long gains to wide receiver Tre Tucker and a second score to Bowers, and slipped a goal‑line pass to Jalen Nailor for a touchdown between converging defenders. Maxx Crosby was active, showing burst and movement across from Raiders blockers and contributing to pressure throughout the 10th period of camp. Fernando Mendoza led the second‑team offense, throwing an interception that was picked by Greedy Vance on a goal‑line attempt aimed at Deven Thompkins. He also connected with Malik Benson on check‑downs and completed a sideline pass to Benson that was nullified by a sack call. Malik Benson later made a contested catch against first‑team cornerback Darien Porter after a route that drew Cousins’ attention, allowing Benson to secure the ball despite Porter’s attempt to deflect a pass intended for Dareke Young. Rookie cornerback Hezekiah Masses, competing for snaps with Porter and Eric Stokes in the nickel, said after practice, “Every day, adjacent lukewarm ups, each time we’re pushing each other,” Masses said aft practice. “We’re trying to get each different amended each day, truthful we’re conscionable pushing each different each day.” Second‑round rookie safety Treydan Stukes increased his involvement with the first‑team, breaking up one of Mendoza’s goal‑line throws to Thompkins at the near‑side pylon while also seeing action with the second unit. Caleb Rogers did not practice Monday after failing to finish Saturday’s session; Jackson Powers‑Johnson took the first‑team snaps at right defensive end in Rogers’ absence. Dont’e Thornton missed his second straight practice after not finishing the previous two days. Kwity Paye and Keyron Crawford returned in uniform, with Crawford wearing a red jersey for no‑contact work; neither participated in 11‑on‑11 drills. Tight end Carter Runyon also missed practice.