Raiders Face Cardinals in Preseason Opener Amid Offensive Overhaul
With the offensive line under new leadership and a reported battle for the starting quarterback role, the Raiders host the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday, 13 August.
The Las Vegas Raiders will commence their 2026 NFL preseason on Thursday, 13 August, hosting the Arizona Cardinals at home. The match marks the first public evaluation of the team’s revamped offensive unit, which underwent significant restructuring following an underperforming season in 2025. The primary focus for the opening fixture lies in assessing personnel changes, particularly within the quarterback group and the offensive line.
A reported competition for the starting quarterback position has emerged between Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza. Vincent Bonsignore, a senior NFL columnist for the California Post and host of The Morning Tailgate on Raider Nation Radio, indicated that the situation is not yet settled. While he suggested Cousins may start the opener, he noted that Mendoza possesses a genuine chance to win the job, with the team’s long-term future potentially leaning toward the younger prospect.
Mendoza’s performance will be closely scrutinised for his footwork, decision-making speed, and ability to evade pressure. Analysts suggest that for a philosophical shift toward Mendoza to succeed, he must demonstrate advanced acclimation to NFL game speed. The outcome of this internal battle remains undetermined, with the final decision contingent on preseason performances.
Significant attention is also directed toward the offensive line, now overseen by new coach Rick Dennison. Dennison brings a history of coaching Super Bowl-winning units and shares a long-standing professional relationship with head coach Klint Kubiak, dating back to his time with Gary Kubiak. The unit’s stability is critical, especially given the injury concerns surrounding left tackle Kolton Miller.
Delmar Glaze is attempting a bounce-back season at right tackle after struggling against speed rushers under previous coaching. Charles Grant is expected to serve as the backup left tackle and swing tackle, provided he delivers strong showings in the preseason. Meanwhile, Spencer Burford is slated to start at left guard, leveraging his prior experience within the Kubiak system from his tenure with the San Francisco 49ers.
Running back Ashton Jeanty faces his own evaluation, having been noted for difficulties in finding running lanes during training camp. The final depth chart positions across the offensive line and skill positions remain unofficial and are subject to change based on the team’s performance in Henderson.
