Kubiak Discusses Mendoza, Starters Snaps in Raiders' First Preseason Game

The Las Vegas Raiders kick off their 2026 preseason on Thursday night against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium at 5 pm PST.

While speaking with the media on Tuesday, head coach Klint Kubiak revealed the plan for the starters and rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

Kubiak's Thoughts

Jun 9, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak during minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

"Yeah, we do have a plan for those guys [the starters] and how many snaps or series we'd like to see them go," Kubiak said. "No need for everyone else to know it, but we're going to have a lot of guys play this game. We need to evaluate the whole roster."

"He's [Fernando Mendoza] going to get plenty of experience in the game," Kubiak said. "Look forward to seeing him out there with his teammates. A lot of guys that we need to evaluate, but he'll get plenty of reps."

"It's been a really impressive training camp, as far as how he's prepared, and then he goes out there to practice, and things don't happen on the drawing on the paper and the playbook exactly how they do on the field," Kubiak continued on Mendoza. "So, I think he's done a good job of adjusting, and with all of our players, we just ask that as they gain experience and they make mistakes, they don't make the same mistake twice."

"I think he's done a good job of that, and now it comes to live bullets, a live pass rush. That will be a whole other animal."

Main Takeaways

Jun 3, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) hugs quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Because Kirk Cousins has 15 years of NFL experience, I don't expect the 37-year-old quarterback to play much, if at all, on Thursday night. That should open up plenty of runway for Mendoza, who will be the player everyone will be keeping tabs on as the contest progresses.

Kubiak stated that the No. 1 overall pick will get "plenty of experience" against the Cardinals, which could mean multiple quarters. If Cousins were to sit entirely, I would expect Mendoza to play two quarters. Kubiak was reluctant to reveal how many snaps certain players would receive on Thursday night, but this is a great opportunity for Mendoza to show what he has demonstrated throughout camp.

Jun 9, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko (left) talks with quarterbacks Fernando Mendoza (15) and Kirk Cousins (8) during minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

As everyone knows, training camp is physical, but quarterbacks are not to be hit. In the preseason, it is free game for a defensive lineman to hit the quarterback. Mendoza's timing, pre-snap recognition, and command of the offense will be under the lights in live snaps. It is a nationally televised game, as Mendoza was the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft.

Nevertheless, this is an exciting time for Raiders fans, as they will have the chance to watch their future franchise quarterback play against an opposing NFL defense for the first time.

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