The Las Vegas Raiders are receiving a taste of the potential Fernando Mendoza possesses. Including reports of the Raiders rookie quarterback already delivering a beautiful spin of the football. That leaves Raider fans convinced Mendoza is ready for primetime ahead of the 2026 season.
Except fans of the Silver and Black will need to likely wait until 2027 for Mendoza to play in primetime.
Las Vegas joined the rest of the NFL in rolling out its 2026 schedule. Mendoza took part in a unique Steps Brothers spinoff with fellow newcomer QB Kirk Cousins to help announce the '26 slate.
You don't get it. It's the 2026 Schedule Release!
đź“° https://t.co/CIxG8eTk9u pic.twitter.com/O4h2dbM5ZN
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) May 14, 2026
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But Raiders never received any Thursday, Sunday or Monday Night contests. This comes following a disastrous 3-14 season that led to Vegas earning the top pick of the draft. Still, some fans called it “disgusting and disrespectful” that Mendoza won't play on primetime. But another believes this is a good omen, citing a “rebuild in the shadows.”
Now the Raiders turn to more than Mendoza in leading the new era at Sin City. The franchise tabbed Klint Kubiak as head coach, who comes over via the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
The NFL still has its flex scheduling rules in place which can rearrange the SNF and other primetime contests. Meaning the Raiders may not be out of the primetime spotlight just yet. Vegas could change the television scheduling if it goes on a run to the NFL Playoffs or even AFC West title.
Mendoza will have this unique season opener, though. His first opponent happens to hail from his home city, the Miami Dolphins. That afternoon tilt is scheduled for Sept. 13 as part of the opening week rollout of games.
The Las Vegas Raiders are receiving a taste of the potential Fernando Mendoza possesses. Including reports of the Raiders rookie quarterback already delivering a beautiful spin of the football. That leaves Raider fans convinced Mendoza is ready for primetime ahead of the 2026 season.