Fernando Mendoza Makes Regular Season Debut for Raiders

Fernando Mendoza, the top pick in the 2026 draft, made his regular season debut on Sunday as the Raiders faced the Patriots, losing 45-17.

Mendoza took over from Kirk Cousins with about six minutes remaining in the game, completing 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards. However, he was unable to score and fell short on a fourth down attempt during a three-yard scramble.

Head coach Klint Kubiak noted that the decision to play Mendoza was aimed at giving him exposure to regular season play. Mendoza expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating that it would help him prepare for future games. The Raiders, who have lost two consecutive games after starting 3-0, face a challenging schedule ahead, which may prompt further changes at quarterback.