Fernando Mendoza of Raiders sees NFL debut in loss to Patriots
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 11, 2026, 8:28 PM
Last updated Oct 11, 2026
Fernando Mendoza made his NFL debut with the Las Vegas Raiders on October 11 against the New England Patriots, entering the game with 6 minutes remaining. The Raiders trailed 45-17 at the time. Mendoza, who won the 2025 Heisman Trophy and led Indiana to a national championship, saw his first action after starting quarterback Kirk Cousins took every snap thus far. His first play was a handoff to teammate Dylan Laube. During the preseason, Mendoza completed 25 of 45 passes for 240 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
- •Mendoza entered the game with 6:06 remaining on the clock.
- •Raiders were down 45-17 at the time of Mendoza's entry.
- •Heisman Trophy winner led Indiana Hoosiers to a national championship.
- •First play was a handoff to Dylan Laube.
- •Kirk Cousins had played every snap prior to Mendoza's debut.
- 8:35 PMYahoo Sports — Fernando Mendoza makes his NFL debut in a blowout loss against the Patriots
- 8:28 PMCBS NFL — Raiders' Fernando Mendoza makes NFL debut: A look at how No. 1 over pick performed
- 8:00 PMYahoo Sports — Raiders No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza makes NFL debut
"Fernando Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner who led the Indiana Hoosiers to a national championship, made his NFL debut Sunday.
"The Raiders rookie QB was solid out of the gate in the Raiders' blowout loss
"Did Fernando Mendoza get some regular-season NFL snaps for the Raiders?
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsOct 11, 2026, 8:35 PMFernando Mendoza makes his NFL debut in a blowout loss against the Patriots
Did Fernando Mendoza get some regular-season NFL snaps for the Raiders?
- CBS NFLOct 11, 2026, 8:28 PMRaiders' Fernando Mendoza makes NFL debut: A look at how No. 1 over pick performed
The Raiders rookie QB was solid out of the gate in the Raiders' blowout loss
- Yahoo SportsOct 11, 2026, 8:00 PMRaiders No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza makes NFL debut
Fernando Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner who led the Indiana Hoosiers to a national championship, made his NFL debut Sunday.
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 11, 2026, 8:22 PMEx-UNH star Dylan Laube scores first NFL touchdown for Raiders vs. Patriots
NFL•Oct 11, 2026, 7:42 PMChargers vs. Broncos live tracker: Score, highlights, analysis
NFL•Oct 11, 2026, 7:19 PMPatrick Mahomes’ Former Teammate Linked as Chiefs Reunion Candidate
NFL•Oct 11, 2026, 7:15 PMSteelers vs. Colts: Week 5 game chat
NFL•Oct 11, 2026, 5:16 PMLos Angeles Rams vs Arizona Cardinals
NFL•Oct 11, 2026, 5:16 PMLas Vegas Raiders vs Buffalo Bills