Las Vegas Raiders evaluate roster and rookies after preseason loss

The Las Vegas Raiders are navigating various roster developments and performance evaluations following their preseason opener, a 27-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the April draft, expressed personal responsibility for offensive struggles, citing a need to improve his timing and anticipation. Mendoza has been working with the second-team offense, while veteran Kirk Cousins continues to lead the first-team reps in training camp.

Head coach Klint Kubiak has highlighted several undrafted free agents (UDFAs) who have made an impression, including defensive player Cian Slone and wide receiver Malik Benson. Benson, in particular, has earned first-team repetitions at the wide receiver position.

On the defensive side, the Raiders have made roster adjustments by signing veteran defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi to bolster the interior line. This move follows the placement of outside linebacker Brennan Jackson on injured reserve due to a foot injury.