Full Breakdown
49ers Edge Raiders in Preseason Finale as Kicking Duel Determines 18-12 Victory
8/28/2026, 7:55:27 AM
Preseason Finale: Raiders vs. 49ers
The final preseason matchup at Allegiant Stadium featured the San Francisco 49ers defeating the Las Vegas Raiders 18-12. All points came from field goals. San Francisco kicker Eddy Piñeiro was perfect, converting six of six attempts, including three from beyond 50 yards (48-, 51-, and 59-yarders). The Raiders’ Matt Gay made four of five attempts, missing a 54-yard try. The 49ers’ defense forced an interception by linebacker Tatum Bethune after rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza’s pass was tipped by cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. Mendoza finished 7-of-14 for 57 yards, was sacked twice and threw the lone interception of the game.
Background & Context
The game served as the last “dress rehearsal” before both clubs must trim their rosters to 53 players on the upcoming Sunday cut-down day. With the regular season opening in September, coaches used the contest to evaluate fringe players on offense, defense, and special teams. The Raiders entered the game with a 1-2 preseason record, while the 49ers were unbeaten at 3-0.
Data & Statistics
- Scoring: Piñeiro 6-for-6 (24 yd, 25 yd, 48 yd, 59 yd, 51 yd, 54 yd); Gay 4-of-5 (including a 53-yd make).
- Quarterback play: Mendoza 7-of-14, 57 yd, 2 sacks, 1 interception; Raiders starter Kirk Cousins did not play.
- Defensive impact: Bethune recorded nine total tackles (three solo) and the interception; 49ers rookie defensive end Keion White logged two sacks (11-yd and 9-yd).
- Rushing: Raiders rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. had five carries for 20 yd; 49ers running back Jordan James posted eight carries for 35 yd and a 20-yd reception.
Official Statements & Responses
Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak emphasized the importance of special-teams performance, noting that evaluating “bottom-of-the-roster guys” will guide the final cuts. He also highlighted the improvement in discipline, noting the team committed only two penalties after a penalty-heavy first two games.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I like when the season starts. The preseason gets a little bit old and I like when it gets real,” — Kyle Shanahan, sideline behind coach
- “I didn’t want to play him too long but he’s been so behind, just getting a late start in camp,” — Kyle Shanahan, sideline behind coach
- “He’s the man. He’s so good. He’s chill. He just goes out and rips it,” — Jack Jones, came veteran
- “I’m just happy for my guys. A lot of young guys got to play today,” — Jack Jones, came veteran
- “That’s one of their bigger challenges, just having to get everyone, get our practice squad ready, all that stuff a lot sooner than other teams are going to have to,” — Kyle Shanahan, sideline behind coach
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources uniformly report the final score, field-goal statistics, and key individual performances, leaving no substantive discrepancies. The primary gap is the lack of detailed snap counts for many fringe players, which teams will assess internally before the roster deadline.
