Raiders plan to give Fernando Mendoza extensive preseason action
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 11, 2026, 11:25 PM
Last updated Aug 11, 2026
The Las Vegas Raiders will give quarterback Fernando Mendoza significant playing time in their preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday. Head coach Klint Kubiak stated that while Kirk Cousins remains the starter, Mendoza will have a chance to gain experience. The team intends to play its starters, with Kubiak noting that the distribution of snaps among the quarterbacks is planned but unspecified. Mendoza previously demonstrated his capabilities by throwing three touchdown passes during a recent scrimmage, despite being a rookie. This preseason game will be crucial for evaluating his readiness to potentially step into a starting role in the future.
- •Mendoza debuts in the preseason opener against the Cardinals.
- •Kubiak plans to play starters, including Cousins.
- •Mendoza threw three touchdown passes in a recent scrimmage.
- •The game will showcase Mendoza's ability to handle first-team offense.
- •Raiders aim to balance player exposure ahead of the regular season.
- 11:25 PMYahoo Sports — Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza will both get playing time for Raiders in preseason opener
- 9:33 PMYahoo Sports — Raiders coach Klint Kubiak drops stunning plan for Fernando Mendoza, starters in preseason opener
"Raiders quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza will both play Thursday night when Las Vegas hosts the Arizona Cardinals in a preseason game, but coach Klint Kubiak wouldn't provide details on how much playing time they and their teammates would get. “Our starters are going to play,” Kubiak said, adding that standout pass rusher Maxx Crosby's availability would be “TBD.” Cousins, who's entering his 15th NFL season, has been running the first-team offense in training camp and is expected to be the starter when the Raiders open their season Sept. 13 against Miami.
"Kirk Cousins, Fernando MendozaFernando Mendoza will receive an extended look in his Raiders preseason debut. Head coach Klint Kubiak said Las Vegas plans to play its starters Thursday against the...
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 11, 2026, 11:25 PMKirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza will both get playing time for Raiders in preseason opener
Raiders quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza will both play Thursday night when Las Vegas hosts the Arizona Cardinals in a preseason game, but coach Klint Kubiak wouldn't provide details on how much playing time they and their teammates would get. “Our starters are going to play,” Kubiak said, adding that standout pass rusher Maxx Crosby's availability would be “TBD.” Cousins, who's entering his 15th NFL season, has been running the first-team offense in training camp and is expected to be the starter when the Raiders open their season Sept. 13 against Miami.
- Yahoo SportsAug 11, 2026, 9:33 PMRaiders coach Klint Kubiak drops stunning plan for Fernando Mendoza, starters in preseason opener
Kirk Cousins, Fernando MendozaFernando Mendoza will receive an extended look in his Raiders preseason debut. Head coach Klint Kubiak said Las Vegas plans to play its starters Thursday against the...
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