Full Breakdown
Fernando Mendoza Set for Extensive Preseason Action in Raiders’ Thursday Opener
8/13/2026, 2:05:16 AM
Core Event: Mendoza’s Preseason Debut and Expected Playing Time
The Las Vegas Raiders will field their starters in the Thursday preseason matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium. Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins is slated to take the opening snaps, after which rookie No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza is expected to assume the majority of the quarterback duties. Head coach Klint Kubiak said Mendoza will receive “plenty of experience” in the game, though he declined to disclose exact snap counts or series allocations. The coaching staff also indicated that several other rookies, including cornerback Jermod McCoy, will see meaningful reps, while the availability of defensive end Maxx Crosby remains “TBD.”
Background & Context
Fernando Mendoza entered the NFL as the 2026 draft’s top selection after winning the Heisman Trophy and leading Indiana to its first national championship. In his final college season he completed 3,535 passing yards with 41 touchdowns, added 276 rushing yards and seven rushing scores, and posted short-pass attempts on 41.6 % of his throws. The Raiders signed veteran Kirk Cousins in free agency and appointed former Seattle offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as head coach for his first season leading the franchise. The preseason game offers the organization its first live-game look at how Mendoza’s college production translates to NFL speed and complexity.
Data & Statistics
- Passing yards (2025): 3,535 yds
- Passing touchdowns (2025): 41
- Rushing yards (2025): 276 yds; rushing touchdowns: 7
- Short-pass attempts (0-9 yds): 41.6 % of 353 attempts
Official Statements & Responses
At a Tuesday press conference on August 11, 2026, Kubiak emphasized that the Raiders will “evaluate the whole roster” by playing most starters. Kubiak also said the team expects Jermod McCoy to play after a successful recovery from an ACL tear, and that the decision on Maxx Crosby’s participation will be made closer to game time.
On-the-Ground Reports
Rookie wide receiver Malik Benson, a sixth-round pick, said the preseason is a chance to prove himself, noting, “Just for my confidence, I feel like it has been really good for me.” The same sentiment was echoed by McCoy, who has been practicing “almost every day” and is expected to compete when the game begins.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources agree that starters will play, but none provide the exact number of snaps allotted to Mendoza or whether he will line up with the first-team offensive line. Maxx Crosby’s participation remains uncertain (“TBD”). Additionally, while Kubiak confirmed both Cousins and Mendoza will see action, the depth chart placement for backup Aidan O’Connell is mentioned only in some outlets, leaving the precise quarterback rotation unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Klint Kubiak, coach
- “That will be a whole other animal,” — Klint Kubiak, coach
- “We do have a plan for those guys and how many snaps or series we’d like to see them go,” — Klint Kubiak, coach
- “It’s been a really impressive training camp as far as how he’s prepared,” — Klint Kubiak, coach
- “Our starters are going to play,” — Klint Kubiak, coach
