Fernando Mendoza struggles in Raiders preseason finale against 49ers
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 28, 2026, 9:07 AM
Last updated Aug 28, 2026
Fernando Mendoza played in the Raiders' preseason finale against the San Francisco 49ers on August 27. After starting quarterback Kirk Cousins played the first two drives, Mendoza took over but struggled significantly. He completed 7 of 14 passes for 57 yards, threw one interception, and was sacked twice. His performance highlighted ongoing concerns about his readiness as a rookie quarterback. The Raiders will need to refine Mendoza’s skills before he can challenge Cousins for the starting role.
- •Mendoza completed 50% of his passes with 57 yards.
- •He threw one interception on his second snap.
- •The Raiders' offensive line struggled during the game.
- •Mendoza was sacked twice, losing 20 yards.
- •Coach Klint Kubiak opted to start Cousins for the first two drives.
- 11:20 AMYahoo Sports — Fernando Mendoza Gets Cold Dose of Reality From Klint Kubiak After 18-12 Raiders Loss to 49ers
- 9:07 AMYahoo Sports — “Fernando Mendoza Is Simply Not It”: Chiefs Analyst Spells Doom for Raiders Rookie QB After Preseason Struggles
- 2:33 AMYahoo Sports — Fernando Mendoza shaky in preseason finale: Instant analysis, grade
"It was not an entirely rosy NFL preseason experience for Las Vegas Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza. The No. 1 overall pick at the 2026 NFL Draft Mendoza struggled anew under center during Thursday’s preseason finale against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, albeit in limited time on the field. The Indiana […] The post Fernando Mendoza Gets Cold Dose of Reality From Klint Kubiak After 18-12 Raiders Loss to 49ers appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
"Fernando Mendoza played during the Las Vegas Raiders’ final preseason game on Thursday. However, he struggled to find a rhythm against the San Francisco 49ers.
"Fernando Mendoza finished off his preseason with an outing against the 49ers. Here's how the Raiders QB fared in relief of Kirk Cousins.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 29, 2026, 11:20 AMFernando Mendoza Gets Cold Dose of Reality From Klint Kubiak After 18-12 Raiders Loss to 49ers
It was not an entirely rosy NFL preseason experience for Las Vegas Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza. The No. 1 overall pick at the 2026 NFL Draft Mendoza struggled anew under center during Thursday’s preseason finale against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, albeit in limited time on the field. The Indiana […] The post Fernando Mendoza Gets Cold Dose of Reality From Klint Kubiak After 18-12 Raiders Loss to 49ers appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
- Yahoo SportsAug 28, 2026, 9:07 AM“Fernando Mendoza Is Simply Not It”: Chiefs Analyst Spells Doom for Raiders Rookie QB After Preseason Struggles
Fernando Mendoza played during the Las Vegas Raiders’ final preseason game on Thursday. However, he struggled to find a rhythm against the San Francisco 49ers.
- Yahoo SportsAug 28, 2026, 2:33 AMFernando Mendoza shaky in preseason finale: Instant analysis, grade
Fernando Mendoza finished off his preseason with an outing against the 49ers. Here's how the Raiders QB fared in relief of Kirk Cousins.
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