The Raiders selected Fernando Mendoza from Indiana in the first round and then did not start him. Geno Smith opened Week 1. Mendoza entered late as QB2. The gap between draft capital and game usage created immediate questions. Public reports indicate a brief cameo, three plays in garbage time, while the team leaned on a veteran bridge.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Why did the Raiders draft Fernando Mendoza if he didn’t start Week 1?
- A: The team appears to be using a veteran bridge with Geno Smith for 2025 while developing Mendoza for a 2026 starting role.
- Q: How many plays did Fernando Mendoza get in Week 1?
- A: Public reports indicate Mendoza made a brief cameo late in the game for three plays in garbage time.
- Q: What does the limited usage mean for Mendoza’s rookie season?
- A: The limited usage suggests a redshirt-style development plan focused on long-term growth rather than immediate contribution.