Fernando Mendoza makes NFL debut with Las Vegas Raiders tonight
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 13, 2026, 11:00 PM
Last updated Aug 13, 2026
Fernando Mendoza will play his first snaps in the NFL tonight for the Las Vegas Raiders against the Arizona Cardinals. The Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 pick is not starting, as veteran Kirk Cousins will take the field first. Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak indicated that Mendoza would receive significant playing time, potentially with the first-team offense. After a standout season at Indiana, where he led the Hoosiers to a national championship, Mendoza's performance tonight marks the beginning of his professional career. The preseason game is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
- •Mendoza plays for the Raiders against the Cardinals in preseason action.
- •Kirk Cousins starts at quarterback, while Mendoza is expected to receive ample reps.
- •Mendoza recently helped Indiana secure a national championship.
- •Head coach Kubiak may give Mendoza opportunities with the first-team offense.
- 11:00 PMYahoo Sports — What to expect from Fernando Mendoza's NFL preseason debut
"The No. 1 pick plays his first snaps of professional football tonight
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