Fernando Mendoza makes NFL debut in Las Vegas Raiders loss to Patriots

Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza made his NFL debut during a Week 5 loss to the New England Patriots on October 11, 2026. CBS NFL and Yahoo Sports reported that Mendoza replaced starting quarterback Kirk Cousins in the fourth quarter with just over six minutes remaining, while the Raiders trailed 45-17. [1][2][3][4]

Before being replaced, Cousins completed 19 of 28 passes for 243 yards and one touchdown, according to CBS NFL. Mendoza entered the game and completed his first five pass attempts, including a 16-yard completion during the final drive of the game, before throwing an incompletion at the Patriots 20-yard line. [2][3]

Mendoza was selected first overall by the Raiders in the 2026 NFL draft after winning the 2025 Heisman Trophy. The 23-year-old quarterback played college football for the California Golden Bears before transferring to the Indiana Hoosiers, where he led the team to a national championship. Klint Kubiak serves as the head coach for the Las Vegas Raiders. [1][2][3][4][13][15]

The defeat dropped the Raiders following a 3-1 start to the regular season, Yahoo Sports reported. CBS NFL noted that Cousins remains expected to keep the starting job for the time being. [1][2][3]