Raiders List Rookie No. 1 Pick Fernando Mendoza as Backup Quarterback Ahead of Week 1

On August 27, 2026, the Las Vegas Raiders released their first regular-season depth chart. Veteran Kirk Cousins is listed as the starting quarterback, rookie Fernando Mendoza occupies the second-string spot, and Aidan O’Connell is third on the list. The chart confirms the team’s plan to keep Mendoza behind Cousins as the season opens against the Miami Dolphins.

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Fernando Mendoza entered the 2026 NFL Draft as the No. 1 overall selection after a standout 2025 campaign with the Indiana Hoosiers, where he posted a 273-of-379 completion rate for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns and six interceptions. The Raiders, who used the top pick on a quarterback for the first time in recent memory, have signaled a deliberate development path rather than thrusting the rookie into a starting role immediately.

3 Raiders players who are the key to Fernando Mendoza’s development

• Mendoza’s college production (2025): 273/379 completions, 3,535 yards, 41 TD, 6 INT.

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• Kirk Cousins career totals: 174 games, 44,700 passing yards, 298 touchdowns.

3 Raiders players who are the key to Fernando Mendoza’s development

• Week 1 betting line: Raiders are 3.5-point favorites at home against the Dolphins.

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• Head coach Klint Kubiak said both Mendoza and O’Connell will see playing time this season but declined to specify who will start, emphasizing that the decision will be based on performance.

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• The Raiders announced a “slower approach” to Mendoza’s integration, noting that keeping him on the sidelines initially is intended to aid his long-term growth.

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Some preseason commentary hinted that Aidan O’Connell could serve as the primary backup, positioning him as the “next man up” should Cousins be unavailable. The official depth chart, however, lists Mendoza as QB2, leaving the exact contingency plan unclear. No public timeline has been provided for when—or if—Mendoza might see regular-season snaps beyond injury replacement.

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• “He ‘won.’ He’s ‘QB1’ for the Raiders. QB1*? Either way, it doesn’t really count if Fernando Mendoza never got a fair shake in the quarterback competition,” — Fox Sports’ Henry McKenna

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The Raiders will begin their Week 1 practice schedule on Wednesday, preparing for the Sunday opener versus the Dolphins. If Cousins were to miss time, Mendoza is positioned as the immediate replacement, though the team has indicated he may remain on the bench for an extended period to continue his development.

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