Sport: Football Category: Scores & Results

Raiders evaluate Mendoza's start based on individual performance

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 26, 2026, 12:29 AM

Last updated Aug 26, 2026

Raiders evaluate Mendoza's start based on individual performance

Summary

The Las Vegas Raiders are assessing when to start rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, emphasizing that the decision hinges on his performance rather than the overall offense. Head coach Klint Kubiak acknowledged the team's struggles, noting no single receiver has emerged as a leader and the offensive line remains unproven. Mendoza is currently a backup to Kirk Cousins as the team prepares for their September 13 season opener against Miami. Kubiak stated that offensive improvement is essential across all positions as they consider the depth chart.

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Status Watch

•Raiders offensive line and receiving corps show uncertainty entering the season.
•Mendoza, drafted first overall, may start based on his play.
•Kirk Cousins currently holds the starting QB position.
•Raiders begin regular season on September 13 against Miami.

Latest Updates

12:29 AMYahoo Sports — Kubiak: Raiders will decide when to start Mendoza based on his play and not the offense as a whole

What they're saying

"
The Raiders' offensive line is far from proven, no wide receiver has emerged as a true No. 1 and a rookie could be the starting running back entering the season. Probably not the ideal situation to start a first-year quarterback, but players drafted first overall — as Fernando Mendoza was — usually join a team with a lot more questions than answers. Could that be a factor for when Raiders coaches decide to start Mendoza?
— Yahoo Sportsby MARK ANDERSON

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Yahoo SportsAug 26, 2026, 12:29 AM
Kubiak: Raiders will decide when to start Mendoza based on his play and not the offense as a whole
The Raiders' offensive line is far from proven, no wide receiver has emerged as a true No. 1 and a rookie could be the starting running back entering the season. Probably not the ideal situation to start a first-year quarterback, but players drafted first overall — as Fernando Mendoza was — usually join a team with a lot more questions than answers. Could that be a factor for when Raiders coaches decide to start Mendoza?

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