Fernando Mendoza Makes NFL Debut in Raiders Loss to Patriots

Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza made his first regular-season NFL appearance against the New England Patriots on Sunday, October 11, 2026, entering with 6 minutes, 6 seconds remaining as his team trailed 45-17. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft completed 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards after spending the opening weeks behind veteran starter Kirk Cousins.

According to USA Today, head coach Klint Kubiak introduced Mendoza late in the game after New England had built a substantial lead. The 2025 Heisman Trophy winner had previously led the Indiana Hoosiers to an undefeated season and a national championship.

Mendoza completed his first five passing attempts, beginning with a 2-yard completion to running back Dylan Laube. He then connected with Ian Thomas for 9 yards to secure a first down before finding Tre Tucker for a 16-yard gain.

With 2 minutes, 42 seconds remaining, Mendoza attempted to convert a fourth-and-4 from the Patriots' 14-yard line. He was hit and forced out of bounds one yard short of the first-down marker, ending the possession's attempt to extend the drive.

The Raiders had relied exclusively on Cousins for offensive snaps before Mendoza entered the game. Heavy.com reported before kickoff that Mendoza was healthy and listed as the team's No. 2 quarterback, while Cousins' early-season performances had strengthened his position as the starter.

During the preseason, Mendoza completed 25 of 45 passes for 240 yards, recording one touchdown and two interceptions. His regular-season debut came later than the initial expectations surrounding a first overall draft pick, as the coaching staff continued to favor a gradual introduction to professional football.

Mendoza had publicly supported the team's approach to his development, according to comments cited by Heavy.com.

“I am all for whatever the team wants and whatever is best for the team,” Mendoza said.

He also described himself as fully committed to the coaches' decision, while the report noted that he remained prepared to contribute when called upon.

Heavy.com identified the Raiders' Week 8 game against the New York Jets as a possible point for reconsidering the quarterback situation if Las Vegas' results declined. However, the report also indicated that Cousins could retain the starting role throughout the 2026 season.

Cousins opened the season with nine touchdown passes through the Raiders' first three games. According to CBS Sports, that matched Tom Brady's performances in 2015 and 2021 as the only quarterbacks aged 38 or older to record nine touchdown passes over their teams' opening three games.

New England quarterback Drake Maye offered support for Mendoza before their teams met. Maye, who was selected No. 3 overall in 2024, had also begun his professional career behind a veteran quarterback before earning playing time.

“I really respect the way he speaks about his faith, handles the media and just tries to be himself,” Maye said of Mendoza.

Maye had previously said he had met Mendoza only once but had heard positive things about him. His own experience included entering a game against the New York Jets on September 19, 2024, with the Patriots trailing 24-3 and less than five minutes remaining.

In that appearance, Maye completed 4 of 8 passes for 22 yards and took two sacks, according to CBS Sports. He made his first start three weeks later, on October 13, 2024, against the Houston Texans.

Maye completed 20 of 33 passes for 243 yards and three touchdowns in that start, adding 38 rushing yards to lead New England in rushing despite a 41-21 loss. According to the Patriots' game notes on Patriots.com, no quarterback had recorded three touchdown passes while leading his team in rushing during a first career start since at least 1950.