Fernando Mendoza expected to play with Raiders' first-team line Thursday
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 11, 2026, 8:47 PM
Last updated Aug 11, 2026

Las Vegas Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza is projected to see significant playing time against the Arizona Cardinals in the preseason opener on Thursday at 5 p.m. PT. Head coach Klint Kubiak confirmed that Mendoza, the No. 1 overall draft pick, may take snaps with the first-team offensive line. The depth chart lists him second, so he is likely to play after starter Kirk Cousins. Kubiak also mentioned that rookie cornerback Jermod McCoy is anticipated to participate, though it remains uncertain if defensive end Maxx Crosby will play as he recovers from knee surgery.
- •Mendoza will debut in the preseason against the Cardinals on August 13.
- •Klint Kubiak indicated Mendoza will gain valuable experience.
- •Crosby's participation is uncertain as he recovers from injury.
- •The depth chart places Mendoza second behind Cousins.
- 5:42 PMYahoo Sports — Fernando Mendoza likely to get some 1st-team reps
- 8:47 PMYahoo Sports — Fernando Mendoza may play with 1st-team offensive line Thursday
"Rookie is expected to play extensively against Arizona in preseason opener
"Rookie quarterback had promising preseason debut
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 14, 2026, 5:42 PMFernando Mendoza likely to get some 1st-team reps
Rookie quarterback had promising preseason debut
- Yahoo SportsAug 11, 2026, 8:47 PMFernando Mendoza may play with 1st-team offensive line Thursday
Rookie is expected to play extensively against Arizona in preseason opener
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- NFL•Oct 19, 2026, 10:36 PMJJ McCarthy strengthens case to start as John Harbaugh faces Giants QB dilemma
NFL•Oct 19, 2026, 10:17 PM1 player Chiefs must trade before 2026 NFL trade deadline
NFL•Oct 19, 2026, 9:47 PMRams WR Davante Adams suffered apparent leg injury late vs. Cardinals
NFL•Oct 19, 2026, 9:36 PMFull list of Rams' terrible injury updates following Week 6 loss
NFL•Oct 19, 2026, 9:16 PMRomeo Doubs’ injury: Latest update after Patriots WR leaves Jets game
NFL•Oct 19, 2026, 9:10 PMDavante Adams ruptures hamstring, unlikely to face Packers in Week 12
