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Raiders No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza makes NFL debut

The Las Vegas Raiders' 2026 first-overall pick Fernando Mendoza made his NFL debut on October 11, entering the game against the New England Patriots with just over six minutes left in a 45-17 loss. The 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, who led Indiana to a national championship, took his first snap as a handoff to running back Dylan Laube before settling into a 6-for-8 passing performance, totaling 48 yards.

His first three completions went to Laube (2 yards), Ian Thomas (9 yards, including a first down), and Tre Tucker (16 yards), though a fourth-down attempt fell short by a yard at the Patriots' 14-yard line. Mendoza’s debut followed a preseason where he completed 25 of 45 passes for 240 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, while Raiders starter Kirk Cousins handled every offensive snap before his late-game substitution.

Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, who faced a similar rookie delay behind a veteran, praised Mendoza’s character and potential, noting his faith and media demeanor while acknowledging Cousins’ current form. The game marked Mendoza’s first regular-season action, with Kubiak trusting him in a low-pressure, defensive-minded final stretch.

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