{
  "id": 13790572,
  "title": "Fernando Mendoza NFL debut: Raiders rookie QB gets first taste of pro action",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/fernando-mendoza-nfl-debut-raiders-rookie-qb-gets-first-taste-of-pro",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-11T20:07:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/fernando-mendoza-nfl-debut-raiders-200751015.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza made his NFL debut for the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, replacing the starting quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Kirk Cousins. The Raiders were trailing 45-17 in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots, and Mendoza entered the game with the team struggling. Mendoza completed his first five pass attempts, including a first down connection with Tre Tucker. His first drive reached the New England 14-yard line but failed to score, picking up only three yards on a fourth-and-4. Overall, Mendoza's stats from his sole action in the loss were 6/8 passing for 48 yards, 0 touchdowns and 0 interceptions, along with 1 rushing yard and no rushing touchdowns. Despite the loss, Mendoza's performance suggests he may not be the immediate starter for the Raiders.",
  "summary": "The Heisman Trophy winner saw his first NFL regular season action on Sunday against the Patriots.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}