Raiders plan with Fernando Mendoza after 2-0 start revealed by ESPN image
The Las Vegas Raiders are off to a 2-0 start to the 2026 regular season, beating the Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Chargers to begin the year on a high note.
They've done that without Brock Bowers, though the star tight end might be back in Week 3 against the New Orleans Saints. Other than Bowers, the biggest domino waiting to fall on the offensive side of the ball is at quarterback with Fernando Mendoza.
When will Raiders fans get to see the No. 1 overall pick this season? According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, the Raiders' plan with Mendoza can be summarized in two words: "no rush." It might be some time before Mendoza steps on the field.
Raiders in 'no rush' to start Fernando Mendoza after 2-0 start
"Whenever Fernando Mendoza takes over the starting QB job in Vegas, the offense could take another leap forward due to Mendoza's mobility and stronger arm," Graziano writes. "But there's no rush on that."
The Raiders, following their 2-0 start, are not rushing to bench Kirk Cousins and get Mendoza onto the field as the team's new starter.
Graziano pointed out how their strong start to the season has "bought" the Raiders more time to get Mendoza where they feel comfortable starting him.
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If the Raiders were 0-2 and the offense looked bland and underwhelming, with or without Bowers, Mendoza might've been in play early in the season.
But now it seems apparent that the Raiders will play the long game with their quarterbacks, as Mendoza might not be starting for the Raiders this season until much later in the year.
Klint Kubiak and the Raiders are in "no rush" to start Mendoza, which, while slightly disappointing, is the right decision to make after a strong start to the season.
Mendoza is likely to start at some point this season; it's just more likely than not going to be a while before Raiders fans will get to see the No. 1 pick take the field.
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