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Raiders No. 1 Pick Mendoza Makes NFL Debut

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Raiders No. 1 Pick Mendoza Makes NFL Debut

17 sourcesUpdated Oct 11, 20261 min read

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Raiders No. 1 Pick Mendoza Makes NFL Debut — © IJR

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Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza, the 2026 No. 1 overall pick and former Heisman-winning Indiana quarterback, made his regular-season NFL debut Sunday in Las Vegas’ 45–17 loss to New England. Entering with just over six minutes left and the game out of reach, he completed 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards, opening with five straight completions but falling short on a fourth-down run near the Patriots’ goal line. Veteran Kirk Cousins had taken every Raiders offensive snap before the game, and Mendoza’s brief appearance did not signal a change in the team’s quarterback plans. Mendoza is expected to continue developing behind Cousins after a preseason in which he threw for 240 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

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How it spread

Broke Las Vegas Review Journal · Oct 11, 3:55 PM ETRight within the hourLeft within the hourCenter +1h17 sources +2h on

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How each side headlines it

Left· 5 sources

“Fernando Mendoza Shares Strong Statement After Raiders Debut”

Heavy · Oct 11, 2026

Center· 1 source

“Fernando Mendoza makes NFL debut for Las Vegas Raiders”

Indianapolis Star · Oct 11, 2026

Right· 2 sources

“Raiders pummeled by Patriots, leading to Fernando Mendoza’s NFL debut”

Las Vegas Review Journal · Oct 11, 2026

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