Full Breakdown
Raiders QB Decision Looms After Mendoza’s Preseason Struggles
8/29/2026, 7:59:05 AM
Preseason Finale Highlights
On August 27, 2026, the Las Vegas Raiders faced the San Francisco 49ers in the final preseason game. Rookie No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza completed 7 of 14 passes for 57 yards, threw one interception and was sacked twice. Veteran Kirk Cousins led two drives that each ended in a field-goal, completing 8 of 11 passes for 51 yards with a passer rating of 82. The Raiders lost 18-12.
Background & Context
Mendoza entered the league after winning the Heisman Trophy and guiding Indiana to a 16-0 season and a national championship. The Raiders drafted him No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, hoping he could develop into a franchise quarterback. Head coach Klint Kubiak has repeatedly emphasized the need for Mendoza to gain experience before assuming a starting role.
Data & Statistics
- Mendoza’s preseason totals: 25-of-45 for 240 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions, 4 sacks.
- In the finale alone: 7-of-14, 57 yards, 1 interception, 2 sacks.
- Cousins’ preseason totals: 13-of-17 for 101 yards, 1 touchdown, 0 interceptions, 0 sacks.
- Both quarterbacks combined for 4 field-goal drives in the finale (three by Cousins, one by the Raiders’ offense under Mendoza).
Official Statements & Responses
He stressed that Mendoza “needs another three preseason games” to develop, and that the regular-season practice reps will be limited.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I still don't think we need to name anybody,” — Klint Kubiak, head coach
- “Naming something one day could change the next,” — Kirk Cousins, veteran
- “He needs another three preseason games," Kubiak said.” — Klint Kubiak, head coach
- “We have three guys that are ready to play, and it's gonna be some hard decisions on who's one, who's two, and that's not a decision that we have to make today,” — Klint Kubiak, head coach
- “It's the NFL, there are monsters on the other side of the ball and you need to get the ball out quick,” — Fernando Mendoza, quarterback
- “Offensively, we didn’t score at all,” — Klint Kubiak, head coach
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the total number of sacks Mendoza suffered in the preseason. Game-by-game accounts list two sacks in the finale, while cumulative season summaries cite four sacks across all three preseason contests. No source provides a definitive breakdown of the additional two sacks.
What's Next
The Raiders have not announced a Week 1 starter for their September 13 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Reports indicate that Kirk Cousins is listed as the likely starter on the depth chart, with Mendoza expected to begin the season as the backup while the coaching staff continues its evaluation.
