Fernando Mendoza’s status as the Las Vegas Raiders’ first overall draft pick has put a bright spotlight on his progression during the 2026 NFL preseason, where he is currently developing behind veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins while showing steady growth in training camp and exhibition games.
Why Fernando Mendoza Is Not Starting Immediately for the Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders selected Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft following his standout collegiate career with the Indiana Hoosiers, which he led to a national title. Despite his draft status, the team designed a patient developmental path for the rookie quarterback. To bridge the gap, the franchise signed veteran Kirk Cousins during the offseason. According to sports reports, Cousins entered training camp as the projected starter for the 2026–2027 campaign, giving Las Vegas an experienced signal-caller while Mendoza adjusts to the speed, complexity, and physical demands of professional football.
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Preseason Performance and Recent Repetitions
Mendoza made his preseason debut against the Arizona Cardinals, stepping onto the field before the end of the first quarter after Cousins played the opening offensive series. According to box scores and game reports, Mendoza completed 10 of 16 pass attempts for 97 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions during the 27-14 loss to Arizona. His performance featured a 19-yard completion into tight coverage to Malik Benson and a six-yard scoring pass to receiver Jack Bech. He also added six rushing yards on two official carries, overcoming a sack.
Ahead of their second preseason matchup against the Houston Texans, Mendoza expanded his workload during a joint practice at NRG Stadium. According to coverage from Publimetro, the rookie received meaningful repetitions against the Texans’ first-string defense, marking the first time in camp that he worked extensively against an opposing starting unit.
When Could Fernando Mendoza Debut in the Regular Season?
While the coaching staff has not named Mendoza as the starter for upcoming exhibition games, his steady on-field progress has sparked discussions about how quickly he might shoulder greater responsibilities in the regular-season offense. The Raiders’ preseason schedule concludes with a game against the San Francisco 49ers on August 27, 2026. Following the exhibition slate, Las Vegas is scheduled to open its regular-season campaign against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, September 13, 2026. Team leadership has maintained that Mendoza’s transition remains a gradual process governed by his ongoing adaptation to the playbook and the pace of the NFL.
