Fernando Mendoza ready for challenge

Fernando Mendoza’s latest lesson learned about life in the NFL: Things can change quickly.

Mendoza said he had “no inking” the Las Vegas Raiders were discussing trading starting quarterback Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings on Tuesday. Mendoza said he was at his locker on Tuesday when he heard his mentor was being shipped out.

Of course, that meant, Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, was being promoted to the starting quarterback position. Mendoza met with media members Wednesday after his first practice as the starting quarterback.

Mendoza called this a “once in a lifetime opportunity” and he is excited to play with his “brothers” starting Sunday at home against the Super Bowl…