Mendoza Makes Raiders Debut After Cousins Exits Blowout Loss

Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza made his NFL debut against the New England Patriots on Sunday after coach Klint Kubiak replaced starter Kirk Cousins during a fourth-quarter blowout. The No. 1 pick entered with the Raiders trailing 45-17 in New England.

According to Sporting News, Mendoza completed 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards, added one rushing attempt for 3 yards, and finished without a touchdown or interception in his first regular-season appearance. The Raiders lost while falling to 3-2.

Mendoza completed his first five pass attempts after entering the game, including a first-down connection with Tre Tucker, according to Sporting News. His only drive reached the New England 14-yard line before the offense failed on fourth-and-4.

Bleacher Report's live coverage also featured a separate update labeled "Major Sickness" while covering NFL events that day, but its Mendoza report focused on the rookie quarterback's first action.

The rookie quarterback's arrival came after Cousins had opened the season as the Raiders' starter. Heavy reported that Cousins completed a strong performance despite the loss, throwing for 243 yards and one touchdown without a turnover.

According to Heavy, the Raiders had previously kept Mendoza on the sideline while allowing Cousins to lead the offense. The veteran quarterback's early-season play had prevented a quarterback change despite Mendoza being selected first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Las Vegas' loss to New England exposed broader team issues, with Heavy reporting that the Raiders struggled across all three phases. The defense allowed the Patriots to build a large lead before Mendoza entered late in the game.

According to Sporting News, Mendoza grew up watching Tom Brady in New England and received his first professional snaps at the same location where he followed the former Patriots quarterback. His debut gave the Raiders additional evaluation time while Cousins remains the starter.