Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza to make first NFL start against Seahawks

Fernando Mendoza will make his first NFL start Sunday when the Las Vegas Raiders host the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. The top pick in this year’s draft takes over after the Raiders traded Kirk Cousins to Minnesota for a 2027 third-round pick.

Mendoza has appeared in one regular-season game. He threw for 48 yards in relief against New England. Last season at Indiana, he threw for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns while winning the Heisman Trophy and leading the Hoosiers to the national championship.

Raiders coach Klint Kubiak said Mendoza’s preparation made the trade possible. “He’s prepared,” Kubiak said. “He practices extremely well.”

Kubiak was Seattle’s offensive coordinator when the Seahawks won the Super Bowl last season. He now has to prepare his rookie for a defense that leads the NFL at 244.2 yards allowed per game. Seattle held Arizona to three points in a 17-3 win last week.

Seattle plans to start Drew Lock again with Sam Darnold recovering from quadriceps and rib injuries. Lock has been working through injuries to his right elbow and oblique. He was limited in Thursday’s practice after starting against the Cardinals.

The Raiders are 4-5 and can get back to .500 with a win. The Seahawks are 5-4. Kickoff is 4:05 p.m. ET at Allegiant Stadium, with CBS carrying the game in the United States.