Fernando Mendoza debuts as Raiders quarterback in preseason loss to Cardinals
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 14, 2026, 6:50 AM
Last updated Aug 14, 2026
Fernando Mendoza made his NFL debut as quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday evening against the Arizona Cardinals. The Raiders lost the preseason game 27-14. Mendoza's performance was closely watched after being selected first overall in the draft. He completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and one touchdown, sharing playing time with Kirk Cousins and Aidan O’Connell. Despite the defeat, Mendoza impressed fans and coaches with his poise and ability to avoid turnovers.
- •Raiders lost 27-14 to Cardinals in preseason matchup.
- •Mendoza completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and 1 touchdown.
- •He shared quarterback duties with Kirk Cousins and Aidan O’Connell.
- •First preseason game for Mendoza since being drafted first overall.
- •Mendoza was sacked once but did not turn the ball over.
- 11:30 AMYahoo Sports — Tom Brady shows his class with off-field Raiders moment involving Fernando Mendoza’s little brother
- 6:50 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Welcome back Tom Brady’ – NFL fans react to Fernando Mendoza’s first game for the Raiders
"Fernando Mendoza made his first appearance as an NFL quarterback on Thursday evening for the Las Vegas Raiders. Albeit in a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals, but Mendoza was handed an opportunity to prove himself to the organization after being selected with the first overall pick in the draft.
"Tom Brady was in attendance on Thursday evening as Fernando Mendoza made his debut for the Las Vegas Raiders. The preseason got underway for the Raiders with defeat against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 14, 2026, 11:30 AMTom Brady shows his class with off-field Raiders moment involving Fernando Mendoza’s little brother
Tom Brady was in attendance on Thursday evening as Fernando Mendoza made his debut for the Las Vegas Raiders. The preseason got underway for the Raiders with defeat against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.
- Yahoo SportsAug 14, 2026, 6:50 AM‘Welcome back Tom Brady’ – NFL fans react to Fernando Mendoza’s first game for the Raiders
Fernando Mendoza made his first appearance as an NFL quarterback on Thursday evening for the Las Vegas Raiders. Albeit in a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals, but Mendoza was handed an opportunity to prove himself to the organization after being selected with the first overall pick in the draft.
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