Overview
- Fernando Mendoza made his Raiders preseason debut Thursday night, completing 10 of 16 passes for about 96–97 yards and a touchdown in a 27-14 loss to the Cardinals.
- Rookie Drew Allar completed 10 of 13 passes for 154 yards, threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score, strengthening his case as a backup in Pittsburgh.
- Raiders coach Klint Kubiak said Mendoza’s calm play has led staff talks about giving him more first‑team reps, and he signaled the team will increase opportunities for rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. after a 53‑yard run.
- Availability remains a live concern for depth charts as Vikings newcomer Jamal Adams was carted off with a right‑knee issue and Patrick Mahomes is not expected to play in the Chiefs’ preseason opener while he continues ACL/LCL rehab.
- Off-field matters are also affecting rosters: reports say cornerback Terrion Arnold is expected to sign with the Seahawks despite pending felony charges, and teams are using these preseason snaps to decide who to keep, redshirt or expose to waivers before cutdown day.