Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza Makes Admission After NFL Debut

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza Makes Admission After NFL Debut

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio G Losada | Last updated Oct 12, 2026 11:13 AM ET

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza finally made his NFL debut Sunday, getting his first regular-season snaps after turning pro.

The Raiders benched starter Kirk Cousins and brought the No. 1 overall pick late in a 45-17 loss to the New England Patriots with roughly six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Mendoza completed six of eight passes for 48 yards.

The rookie didn’t lead Las Vegas to any points, with his final possession ending with a three-yard scramble on fourth down, leaving the Raiders short of the line to advance the ball.

Mendoza viewed his debut as a meaningful experience to get some live reps after spending the opening weeks of his rookie season behind Cousins.

Mendozas debut pic.twitter.com/PWoslgly19
— John m (@john_m_98) October 11, 2026

“Keep on controlling the controllables,” Mendoza said. “But it is good to have some regular-season snaps to go off, evaluate, and get better from. So, if in the future I am called upon, I have at least a little bit of experience rather than none.”

However, head coach Klint Kubiak made clear the late quarterback change wasn’t intended to signal a new direction at the position.

“Just wanted to get him some exposure,” Kubiak said. “All reps are valuable. Very important for him.

“He did a good job. Yeah, he did a good job.”

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando MendozaKirby Lee - IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Cousins completed 19 of 28 passes for 243 yards and one touchdown without being intercepted before leaving with the game out of reach.

Las Vegas fell to 3-2 after opening the season with three consecutive victories. The Raiders have now lost back-to-back games after also falling to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4.

The Raiders return home next Sunday to face the Buffalo Bills at 4:25 p.m. ET

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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