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Raiders Narrowly Beat Texans 22–20 as No. 1 Pick Mendoza Struggles in Extended Preseason Look

Mendoza’s mixed first-half performance gives Raiders coaches fresh evaluation data as Houston deals with practice and game injuries that have already reshaped its depth chart.

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An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Football player Naquan Jones tackling another player, causing the football to fly out of their hands, Image 2 shows Fernando Mendoza, a football player for the Raiders, wearing number 15, looks up from the bench

Overview

  • The Las Vegas Raiders defeated the Houston Texans 22–20 in the Week 2 preseason game on Thursday night, Aug. 20, at NRG Stadium in Houston.
  • Fernando Mendoza played most of the first half and had notable miscues, including a pick-six on his first offensive possession, limiting the Raiders to three first-half points.
  • Aidan O’Connell took over in the second half and led the comeback that helped secure the win, improving the Raiders’ view of their veteran backup options.
  • The Texans rested many starters and absorbed key injuries this week, including wide receiver Jayden Higgins’ torn ACL in joint practice and Graham Mertz’s season-ending knee injury from Week 1.
  • Houston’s injuries have produced immediate roster moves, such as signing veteran Brett Rypien for depth, and the Week 2 game highlighted how preseason reps and joint practices are driving final cut and depth decisions.