Raiders' Mendoza set for significant playing time against Cardinals
5 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 14, 2026, 2:21 AM
Last updated Aug 14, 2026
Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, selected first overall in April's NFL draft, will receive substantial playing time in the preseason opener against the Cardinals on Thursday. Coach Klint Kubiak confirmed that Mendoza will get 'plenty of reps' in the game. This opportunity comes as Mendoza looks to establish himself in the league early in his career. The performance in this matchup may provide valuable insights into his readiness for the regular season.
- •Mendoza is the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft.
- •He will play in the Raiders' preseason opener against the Cardinals.
- •Coach Klint Kubiak emphasized Mendoza will get 'plenty of reps'.
- •This game serves as an important evaluation for Mendoza's future.
- 2:21 AMYahoo Sports — Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza, No. 1 pick of the NFL Draft, makes some nice plays in preseason debut
- 10:07 AMYahoo Sports — Fernando Mendoza can ace his preseason debut by passing these 3 tests
- 5:21 PMYahoo Sports — Raiders plan to give top pick Fernando Mendoza 'plenty of experience' in Thursday's preseason opener
- 9:09 PMESPN — Raiders QB Mendoza 'will get plenty of reps' in preseason opener - ESPN
"Raiders rookie QB Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 pick in April's NFL draft, "will get plenty of reps" in Thursday's preseason opener against the Cardinals, coach Klint Kubiak said.
"The Raiders have been slow-playing Fernando Mendoza's NFL acclimation, but it's time for the QB to get up to speed in his preseason debut.
"Fernando Mendoza will be getting his first NFL snaps against the Cardinals.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 14, 2026, 2:21 AMRaiders QB Fernando Mendoza, No. 1 pick of the NFL Draft, makes some nice plays in preseason debut
Raiders fans were excited to get their first look at Fernando Mendoza.
- Yahoo SportsAug 13, 2026, 10:07 AMFernando Mendoza can ace his preseason debut by passing these 3 tests
The Raiders have been slow-playing Fernando Mendoza's NFL acclimation, but it's time for the QB to get up to speed in his preseason debut.
- Yahoo SportsAug 12, 2026, 5:21 PMRaiders plan to give top pick Fernando Mendoza 'plenty of experience' in Thursday's preseason opener
Fernando Mendoza will be getting his first NFL snaps against the Cardinals.
- ESPNAug 11, 2026, 9:09 PMRaiders QB Mendoza 'will get plenty of reps' in preseason opener - ESPN
Raiders rookie QB Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 pick in April's NFL draft, "will get plenty of reps" in Thursday's preseason opener against the Cardinals, coach Klint Kubiak said.
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