Overview
- The San Francisco 49ers beat the Las Vegas Raiders 18-12 in the preseason finale on Thursday night, with all points coming on field goals.
- Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza finished the preseason with uneven play, completing 25 of 45 passes for about 240 yards with one touchdown, two interceptions and four sacks and he threw an interception and was sacked twice in the finale.
- Kirk Cousins delivered steady, mistake-free work in the game and is the practical choice to open the regular season as the Raiders’ starter.
- Fourth-round rookie Mike Washington Jr. strengthened his case for early playing time by rushing for 49 yards in the finale and 168 yards across the preseason.
- Key roster items now are final 53-man cuts and injury checks after Keyron Crawford left the game with an ankle issue and Maxx Crosby, who missed the preseason rehabbing knee surgery, continues to practice and is expected to be available for Week 1.