Raiders Turn to Fernando Mendoza Sooner Than Expected

WHO:

NBC News - Fernando Mendoza is the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback selected No. 1 overall in the NFL draft and is taking over as the Las Vegas Raiders’ starter.

raiders.com - Mendoza is a rookie and the Raiders’ No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

raiders.com - Raiders quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan, head coach Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko, veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, edge rusher Malcolm Koonce, tight end Brock Bowers and wide receiver Tre Tucker discussed Mendoza’s development and readiness.

raiders.com - The Minnesota Vikings acquired Cousins at the trade deadline.

Heavy NFL - A report said the Raiders had not planned to start Mendoza this soon.

WHAT:

raiders.com - After Cousins was traded, Mendoza became the Raiders’ starter before the team had originally planned.

raiders.com - In his first regular-season action against the New England Patriots, Mendoza completed 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards.

raiders.com - Kubiak said Mendoza had exceeded expectations in practice and that the team placed no limitations on the rookie with the playbook for his first start.

raiders.com - Mendoza said he felt more confident and developed, citing improvement in playing under center, connecting with teammates and understanding an NFL scheme.

raiders.com - Koonce said Mendoza had improved his pocket discipline and appeared able to command the offense. Bowers and Tucker also said they believed he was ready.

NBC News - The article posed whether Mendoza could turn around the Raiders franchise.

WHERE:

raiders.com - The Raiders prepared at Intermountain Health Performance Center before facing the Seattle Seahawks.

raiders.com - Mendoza’s first start is against the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks, whose defense is ranked first in the league and allows the second-fewest passing yards.

WHEN:

raiders.com - Cousins was acquired after nine games; Mendoza’s first start is the Raiders’ Week 10 matchup against Seattle.

raiders.com - Mendoza’s regular-season appearance against the Patriots was on Oct. 11.

Heavy NFL - A separate mock draft projected Indiana wide receiver Charlie Becker to the Raiders at No. 15 overall in the 2027 NFL Draft.

WHY:

raiders.com - The Raiders had planned to let Mendoza develop behind Cousins, whom they signed in the offseason before drafting Mendoza.

raiders.com - Cousins’ trade to Minnesota brought Mendoza’s opportunity sooner than expected.

HOW:

raiders.com - Sullivan reviewed and graded Mendoza’s throws during organized team activities, examining timing, mechanics, footwork and release; Mendoza continued preparing behind Cousins and studied weekly as if he might play.

raiders.com - Sullivan said he and Mendoza discussed plays and coverages during practice while Mendoza rehearsed footwork; they also stayed after practice for extra work.

Heavy NFL - FanSided’s Cody Williams cited Becker’s speed, route-running and ability to locate the ball at all levels as reasons for the mock-draft projection.

Rookie Fernando Mendoza is taking over as the Raiders’ starting quarterback sooner than planned. Kirk Cousins’ trade to Minnesota opened the door after Mendoza impressed coaches in practice. His first start comes against Seattle, whose defense ranks first in the league.