# Fernando Mendoza gets regular season experience

> Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza debuts in loss as coach says it's good for experience.
- Title: Fernando Mendoza gets regular season experience · NBC Sports
- Summary: Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza debuts in loss as coach says it's good for experience. Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza made his regular season…
- Keywords: fernando mendoza, raiders, patriots, klint kubiak, nfl, regular season, sports, Fernando, Mendoza, gets, regular, season
- Source: NBC Sports — https://nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/fernando-mendoza-good-to-gain-some-regular-season-experience
- Published: 2026-10-12T10:30:50.281+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: fernando mendoza, raiders, patriots, klint kubiak, nfl, regular season, sports
## Raiders rookie debuts
Fernando Mendoza made his regular season debut for the Las Vegas Raiders.
## Mendoza's debut performance
Mendoza went 6-of-8 for 48 yards but failed to score before a fourth down conversion.
## Coach Kubiak's view
Klint Kubiak said Mendoza did a good job but there's no plan to make him the starter.
## Mendoza's quote
Mendoza said gaining regular season snaps helps him prepare for meaningful action.

> Keep on controlling the controllables. But it is good to have some regular-season snaps to go off, evaluate and get better from. So, if in the future I am called upon, I have at least a little bit of experience rather than none.
## Raiders' current situation
The Raiders have lost two straight after a 3-0 start with four of their next five opponents being strong teams.
## Key takeaway

Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza made his regular season debut in a 45-17 loss to the Patriots, with coach Klint Kubiak saying the move helps him gain experience before a potential longer role.