Raiders open 2026 preseason against Cardinals with Mendoza expected to feature
Las Vegas hosts Arizona in the opening fixture of the NFL preseason, with quarterback Ferando Mendoza among those expected to take the field.
The Las Vegas Raiders have commenced their 2026 preseason campaign, hosting the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Thursday, 13 August. The opening fixture of the preseason period began at 5 p.m. local time, marking the first time the Silver and Black have taken the field for the upcoming season.
Raiders starters are expected to participate in the contest, providing a baseline assessment of the squad ahead of the regular season. Alongside the established players, rookies are anticipated to see significant playing time, including top draft pick quarterback Ferando Mendoza. His participation offers the first public glimpse of the player, who is viewed by the organisation as a potential cornerstone for the franchise’s future.
On the opposing side, the Arizona Cardinals will be without rookie quarterback Carson Beck. The third-round draft pick has been ruled out of the match due to a precautionary rib injury sustained during the Hall of Fame Game. The team has adopted a cautious approach to managing Beck’s availability, despite medical assessments indicating the injury is not serious.
The match was broadcast on Fubo and made available for streaming via NFL+. As the first game of the preseason, it serves as a critical evaluation period for both clubs, with live updates and highlights provided by Raiders Wire throughout the evening.
The outcome of this fixture will contribute to the broader context of the 2026 NFL season, though immediate results are secondary to the developmental objectives of the preseason window. The presence of Mendoza on the field represents a key narrative for the Raiders as they integrate new talent into their roster.
