NFL

Mendoza, the Raiders' quarterback, is set to receive significant playing time in the upcoming preseason debut.

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Aug 12, 2026, 02:57 IST

Coach Klint Kubiak announced that rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, selected first overall in April's NFL draft, will receive significant playing time Thursday.

Mendoza, the Raiders' quarterback, is set to receive significant playing time in the upcoming preseason debut.

HENDERSON, Nev. – The Las Vegas Raiders are set to give rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza significant playing time in their preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday, according to head coach Klint Kubiak. During a press conference on Tuesday, Kubiak expressed enthusiasm about Mendoza's development and the opportunity for him to showcase his skills alongside his teammates.

Kubiak emphasized the importance of evaluating various players during the game, stating, "I look forward to seeing him out there with his teammates. There are a lot of guys that we need to evaluate, but he will get plenty of reps." While the coach confirmed that the starters would see action, he refrained from disclosing specific details regarding the number of snaps or drives that players, including Mendoza, would participate in during the game.

Rookie's Progress and Team Dynamics

Throughout training camp, Mendoza has primarily worked with the second team, while veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins has taken the lead with the first team after being named the starter. Last Saturday marked a pivotal moment for Mendoza, as he practiced with the starters for the first time when Cousins was sidelined due to a minor altercation with defensive end Maxx Crosby.

As the team prepares for the upcoming matchup, Kubiak noted that they are still assessing Crosby's availability for the game, following his offseason knee surgery. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Crosby, Kubiak praised Mendoza's performance during training camp, highlighting his ability to adapt and learn from his experiences. "He has done a good job of making adjustments and not making the same mistakes twice," Kubiak remarked, indicating confidence in Mendoza's growth.

Looking Ahead to Game Day

With the preseason opener approaching, Kubiak is eager to see how Mendoza translates his practice success into a game environment. "That will be a whole other animal," he stated, underscoring the challenges that come with live competition. As Mendoza prepares to take the field, all eyes will be on him to see how he handles the pressure and performs against the Cardinals.