Preseason Week 2 Highlights: Raiders struggle, Texans dominate with rookie play
In Thursday's preseason games, the Raiders' top draft pick faced heavy pressure against a strong Texans backup defense, while Houston's reserves shone and San Francisco's rookies made notable contributions.
The Raiders' first-round pick, quarterback Fernando Mendoza, completed 8 of 15 passes for 86 yards, threw one interception and was sacked once in the first half against the Houston Texans' backup defensive unit. He was pressured on 37.5% of his dropbacks and hit five times, though he remained composed and delivered a 22-yard pass to Jalen Nailor. The Texans' secondary produced the play of the game when fourth-round rookie safety Wade Woodaz intercepted Mendoza and returned it 80 yards for a touchdown.
Houston's defense, which led the league in yards allowed in 2025, continued to impress despite resting its starters. Second-round pick Kayden McDonald recorded a sack, and former No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney also applied pressure on Mendoza. The Texans generated only three points and 141 total yards in the first half.
On offense, Houston rookie running back Woody Marks contributed 43 yards on five carries, including a 20-yard touchdown run, while veteran David Montgomery remained the primary back. Marks' performance highlighted his potential for a larger role in the second year of his career.
San Francisco rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling caught four passes for 46 yards on his first snap of the game, showing quick chemistry with quarterback Brock Purdy. The 49ers also saw first-year running back Kaelon Black gain 53 yards and a touchdown on six carries, and fourth-round rookie Jacob Cowing return a punt 83 yards for a touchdown.
The Los Angeles Chargers, dealing with the loss of center Tyler Biadasz to injury, shifted rookie Jake Slaughter back to the center position. Slaughter played nine snaps, allowing no quarterback pressures but required double-team assistance on each pass-blocking snap and struggled on a run-blocking play.
Overall, the preseason action underscored the Texans' depth on defense, the Raiders' challenges with their top rookie quarterback, and the emergence of several promising rookies across the league.