Coverage dated October 11, 2026 to October 12, 2026
Fernando Mendoza makes NFL debut in Raiders' blowout loss to Patriots
Headline from 8 News Now Las Vegas
Fernando Mendoza made his NFL debut under unceremonious circumstances. The top pick in this year’s NFL draft took over at quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders in the fourth quarter of a 45-17 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday.
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Fernando Mendoza has served as Kirk Cousins’ backup, and the No. 1 overall draft pick was called upon late in the game as the Raiders were routed in New England.
Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza made his NFL debut in a blowout loss to the Patriots, entering in the fourth quarter with Las Vegas down 45-17. He completed 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards but failed to convert a late fourth down; Kirk Cousins is expected to remain the starter for now.
The Raiders were eviscerated at Gillette Stadium by a New England Patriots team down star cornerback Christian Gonzalez — along with three other cornerbacks.
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — After stepping onto an NFL field or the first time in the regular season during the Raiders blowout loss to the Patriots Sunday, Fernando Mendoza completed his first five passes, moved the Raiders downfield, converted a third down and gave himself something to build on during an …
Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza didn’t envision his NFL debut coming in a blowout loss, but he was able to get live reps that could serve him well in more competitive games.
Fernando Mendoza made his NFL debut under unceremonious circumstances. The top pick in this year’s NFL draft took over at quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders in the fourth quarter of a 45-17 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday.
