Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza gets unfortunate November QB job projection originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Las Vegas Raiders are heading into the 2026 NFL season with Kirk Cousins as their starting quarterback, as the veteran will lead the offense to start the season.
Week 1's matchup against the Miami Dolphins will have Cousins starting at quarterback over No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. It's not a huge surprise, but naturally, it's fair to wonder when Mendoza will see the field.
ESPN's Dan Graziano shared an updated projection for the Raiders' rookie, which reveals his potential NFL debut could come all the way in November, two months into the 2026 regular season.
"It stands to reason the Raiders want to see him start at some point this season, but they have been adamant that they don't want to play him until he's ready and they feel ready to put in position to succeed," Graziano writes. "Unless something happens to Cousins or the Raiders radically change their plans, don't expect to see Mendoza before November."

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