Raiders’ most important player for Fernando Mendoza’s success in 2026 just revealed some of the best news possible
The Las Vegas Raiders will have to make sure they protect rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza in 2026.
Just like every team does, the Las Vegas Raiders dealt with a ton of injuries last season. A few of them were very crucial, and even happened before the season actually started. It feels like multiple players on the offensive line were never truly healthy.
The best offensive lineman on the team is Kolton Miller. He’s not an All-Pro or Pro Bowler, yet he plays at a Pro Bowl level every single year. If rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza were to start at any point this season, he would need a good offensive line. The player who ensures his success the most, Miller at left tackle, needs to be healthy. So, Mendoza just got some of the best news possible.
“Feeling good. Feels good to be back out there with the guys,” Kolton Miller told reporters at OTAs on Wednesday. “I’m really excited and enjoying the process. Yeah, my last hiccup was my shoulder. I was ready by the season, so it’s great to have all this time to get back ready. So, it feels really good to be back out there.”
Raiders will need Kolton Miller healthy, more than he was last season
Last year, Miller was banged up pretty badly. He only played four total games. And, the year before that, he dealt with some injuries, although he played through them. However, they hindered his play, as he led the team with 40 blown blocks, per Sports Info Solutions.
To hear he is feeling good, is in good health, is perfect for Mendoza, and even Kirk Cousins. Miller will be one of, if not the most important, pieces of the offensive line since he’s on the blind side. In 2023, Miller had 23 total blown blocks in 13 games. He was great despite everything around him being pretty poor. The Raiders need that version of Miller in 2026.