# Seahawks Prepare for Mendoza's NFL Debut

> Seattle Seahawks face Las Vegas Raiders' No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza in first NFL start.
- Title: Seahawks Prepare for Mendoza's NFL Debut · FOX 13 Seattle
- Summary: Seattle Seahawks face Las Vegas Raiders' No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza in first NFL start.
- Keywords: seattle seahawks, las vegas raiders, fernando mendoza, kirk cousins, mike macdonald, heisman trophy, national championship, indiana hoosiers, nfl draft, quarterback, seattle, FOX 13 Seattle
- Source: FOX 13 Seattle — https://fox13seattle.com/sports/seahawks-prep-mendoza-debut-start
- Author: Curtis Crabtree
- Published: 2026-11-11T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: seattle seahawks, las vegas raiders, fernando mendoza, kirk cousins, mike macdonald, heisman trophy, national championship, indiana hoosiers, nfl draft, quarterback, seattle, sports
## Seahawks' first test for Mendoza
The Seattle Seahawks will provide the first NFL test for No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza as he makes his debut start for the Las Vegas Raiders.
## Mendoza's limited NFL experience
Mendoza has played just 10 snaps in the NFL, leaving the Seahawks to supplement limited film with draft information.
## Mendoza's background
Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy and led Indiana to a National Championship before joining the Raiders after trading Kirk Cousins.
## Coaching perspective
Head coach Mike Macdonald said the Seahawks will watch Mendoza's plays and use draft information to prepare for the game.
## Mendoza's Raiders history
Mendoza threw for 3,535 yards with 41 touchdowns and six interceptions in his lone season with Indiana.
## Previous quarterbacks' struggles
The last two quarterbacks to start against Seattle performed poorly: Brosmer had four interceptions and four sacks, Nix had two interceptions.
## Injury updates
Rashid Shaheed returned to full practice after knee injury, Uchenna Nwosu back to limited participation.
## Drew Lock's status
Quarterback Drew Lock's throwing is limited due to elbow and oblique injuries but he's making good progress.
## Key takeaway

Seahawks prepare for Fernando Mendoza's NFL debut start after Raiders traded Kirk Cousins.