Overview
- The rookie completed 10 of 16 passes for 96 yards and a touchdown with no turnovers across four drives in his preseason debut on Thursday.
- National analysts praised Mendoza’s timing and accuracy and highlighted several throws that suggested pro-level poise, with some arguing he should start sooner.
- Kirk Cousins began the game, led a touchdown drive, and remains the team’s planned short-term starter after the Raiders signed him as a one-year bridge.
- The club says Mendoza’s path to a Week 1 start depends on more padded practices, additional preseason snaps and clear evidence the offensive line can protect him.
- Mendoza arrives after a dominant 2025 college season that included a national title and 41 passing touchdowns, and his continued play could force an earlier change that would reshape the Raiders’ season plans.