Los Raiders ya están en Houston, y su preparación para el próximo partido de pretemporada incluyó una prueba mucho más exigente que un entrenamiento tradicional.
Las Vegas tuvo el martes una práctica en conjunto con los Texans, una sesión que permitió al equipo enfrentarse a una defensa de primer nivel en un ambiente controlado previo al partido del jueves por la noche.
Para los Raiders, el valor de este tipo de práctica está precisamente en salir de la rutina, cambiar de escenario y enfrentarse a jugadores y esquemas diferentes.
"Sentí que hoy fue la razón por la que venimos aquí", dijo el mariscal de campo veterano Kirk Cousins, quien destacó que trabajar contra una unidad diferente permite descubrir cosas que quizá no aparecen durante las prácticas normales del campamento.
Uno de los principales focos estuvo sobre el novato Fernando Mendoza, debido a que el cuerpo técnico de Las Vegas decidió desde antes de viajar a Houston que el quarterback tendría participación contra la primera unidad de los Texans.
Fue una oportunidad importante para Mendoza, especialmente considerando el nivel de la defensa que tenía enfrente. El novato tuvo la oportunidad de trabajar contra algunos de los mejores jugadores defensivos de Houston, como Will Anderson y Derek Stingley, haciéndolo en diferentes situaciones de juego, incluyendo terceras oportunidades, zona roja y situaciones de dos minutos.
"Quería verlo enfrentando a los titulares de Houston. Ese era nuestro plan desde el principio", explicó Kubiak.
Para Mendoza, este fue exactamente el tipo de experiencia que necesita en esta etapa de su desarrollo.
"Hubo jugadas que me encantaron y otras que me gustaría repetir, pero en realidad... eso no es cierto", aseguró Mendoza. "No quisiera cambiar ninguna de ellas, porque todo forma parte del aprendizaje y esto es un entrenamiento. Es un entrenamiento; esto es lo que amo y es un día magnífico para jugar al fútbol americano aquí. Estoy muy contento. Tengo muchas cosas que aprender de lo vivido hoy".
El hecho de que ya haya disputado su primer partido de pretemporada le permite llegar a este enfrentamiento con una perspectiva diferente. Mendoza incluso identificó algo específico que quiere mejorar de su actuación ante Arizona.
"Sentí que mis pies estaban un poco rápidos, un poco fuera de control", aseguró Mendoza. "Necesito tener un poco más de control, examinar mejor el campo y verlo de una manera más clara. Estoy muy emocionado por este próximo partido y por todas las oportunidades que tengo por delante. La oportunidad de hoy ya pasó y la próxima será el jueves. Después tendremos otra práctica y luego enfrentaremos a los Niners. Cada oportunidad que se me presenta, estoy tratando de aprovecharla".
Las prácticas en conjunto siempre tienen un elemento adicional de intensidad, pero Kubiak dejó claro que los Raiders no viajaron a Houston para protagonizar una pelea. El objetivo era competir, trabajar y aprender.
"Me pareció que nuestros jugadores mostraron mucha madurez", declaró Kubiak. "Creo que hubo un altercado menor en el otro campo, pero es un entrenamiento. Estamos en la cuarta semana de la pretemporada; se trata de mejorar como equipo, así que, en general, quedé satisfecho con eso".
Alguien que no pudo participar en dicha sesión fue el liniero ofensivo Jackson Powers-Johnson, quien salió golpeado durante la práctica del lunes y el equipo decidió ser precavido.
Kubiak explicó que Powers-Johnson continuará siendo evaluado, pero prácticamente descartó su participación en el partido del jueves.
Este será otro aspecto a monitorear mientras el equipo continúa evaluando a sus jugadores de cara a la temporada regular, incluyendo a Caleb Rogers, quien está compitiendo junto a Powers-Johnson por el puesto como guardia derecho titular.
Cousins también reconoció que hubo aspectos positivos durante la práctica, aunque le hubiera gustado que los Raiders terminaran con mayor fuerza.
"Fue un día productivo", dijo Cousins. "Probablemente me hubiera gustado que termináramos un poco más fuertes, pero hicimos algunas jugadas en los primeros periodos que nos dejaron satisfechos y seguiremos construyendo a partir de aquí".
El quarterback también tuvo un momento de frustración hacia el final de la sesión después de recibir un golpe cerca del brazo. Cousins explicó que entiende que el contacto forma parte de estas prácticas, pero pidió que sus compañeros y rivales eviten golpearlo directamente en los brazos y los hombros, zonas en las que considera que existe un mayor riesgo de lesión.
La práctica en conjunto con Houston ofreció a los Raiders algo que ningún entrenamiento interno puede replicar completamente: competencia contra otro equipo, otro esquema y jugadores diferentes.
Y ahora tendrán que trasladar todo ese aprendizaje al partido. Para Mendoza, será otra oportunidad de seguir creciendo. Para Cousins y el resto de la ofensiva, será una oportunidad de corregir los detalles identificados durante la práctica.
Y para Kubiak, será otra evaluación de un equipo que todavía está construyendo su identidad.
El desafío en Houston apenas comienza. El jueves por la noche llegará la segunda parte de esta prueba, nada menos que en la ciudad natal de Klint Kubiak.
Come with us to Houston Methodist Training Center for a look at day 16 of 2026 Training Camp.
Signage during the Las Vegas Raiders' joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Deven Thompkins (83) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jacob Clark (16) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tristin McCollum (27) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Chigozie Anusiem (29) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Niklas Henning (73) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Matt Gay (14) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak and running back Ashton Jeanty (2) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Albert Okwuegbunam (85) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Treydan Stukes (31) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Devyn Perkins (49) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Devin Lafayette (40) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Keyron Crawford (42) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Trey Zuhn III (66) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Folorunso Fatukasi (63) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Patrick Gurd (45) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) and quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle DJ Glaze (71) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor (9) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Connor Heyward (34) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Dalton Wagner (78) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Caleb Rogers (76) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Patrick Gurd (45) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Devin Lafayette (40) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Malik Benson (19) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Deven Thompkins (83) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Greedy Vance (22) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) and tight end Patrick Gurd (45) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Kwity Paye (95) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Keyron Crawford (42) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Malik Benson (19) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Buddy Johnson (59) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cameron McGrone (57) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders and Houston Texans on the field for a joint practice with the Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Caleb Rogers (76) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders center Tyler Linderbaum (65) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Hezekiah Masses (35) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Brandon Johnson (82) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Brandon Johnson (82) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dare Ogunbowale (32) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and Houston Texans Head Coach DeMeco Ryans on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Charles Grant (60) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) and Las Vegas Raiders tight ends coach Luke Steckel on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Taron Johnson (3) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nakobe Dean (17) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Cian Slone (48) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor (9) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Albert Okwuegbunam (85) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Brandon Johnson (82) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway (97) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Greedy Vance (22) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Kwity Paye (95) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Rob Leonard, cornerback Eric Stokes (5) and linebacker Nakobe Dean (17) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Cian Slone (48) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dareke Young (81) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
A Las Vegas Raiders fan on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders fans on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders fans on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
A helmet on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Trey Zuhn III (66) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders center Tyler Linderbaum (65) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Treydan Stukes (31) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
The Las Vegas Raiders on the field for a joint practice with the Houston Texans at 2026 Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
