The Beacon Brief, one report

PerformanceActive

Fernando Mendoza participates in his first NFL joint practice with the Raiders.

Player: Fernando Mendoza
Team: Raiders
Event: First NFL joint practice
Quote: It's a growing experience and it's practice. This is what I love.

Fernando MendozaQB, LV Las Vegas Raiders

Later reports on this story

PerformanceActiveUpdate: read the earlier report this one follows
Raiders No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza expected to play first half vs. Texans, Aidan O'Connell to replace him second half.
Player
Fernando Mendoza
Team
Raiders
Opponent
Texans
Plan
Expected to play roughly the first half
Also
Aidan O'Connell replaces him for the second half
Fernando MendozaQB, LV Las Vegas Raiders
Original report: @AdamSchefter on X (opens in a new tab), Aug 20, 2026, 3:09 PM EDT
Permalink: Raiders No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza expected to play first half vs. Texans, Aidan O'Connell to replace him second half.
Depth chartUpdate: read the earlier report this one follows
Raiders HC Kubiak has not named a starting QB for the regular season despite benching Kirk Cousins and starting rookie Fernando Mendoza in a 22-20 preseason win over the Texans.
Player Benched
Kirk Cousins
Player Started
Fernando Mendoza
Preseason Result
22-20 win over the Texans
Head Coach
Klint Kubiak
Status
No starter named for regular season
Kirk CousinsQB, LV Fernando MendozaQB, LV Las Vegas Raiders
Original report: @AdamSchefter on X (opens in a new tab), Aug 21, 2026, 6:48 AM EDT
Permalink: Raiders HC Kubiak has not named a starting QB for the regular season despite benching Kirk Cousins and starting rookie Fernando Mendoza in a 22-20 preseason win over the Texans.