The 49ers vs Raiders rivalry returned Thursday night as the San Francisco 49ers and Las Vegas Raiders met in the final game of the 2026 NFL preseason. The matchup at Allegiant Stadium brought back memories of the teams’ days as Bay Area neighbors, even though the Raiders have since moved to Las Vegas. The 49ers ultimately won the preseason finale 18-12.
The teams took different approaches to the game. Raiders coach Klint Kubiak used much of his starting offense and defense for two series, while 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan relied on backups throughout the contest. The game therefore provided both coaching staffs with one final opportunity to evaluate players before roster decisions.
Piñeiro Leads 49ers Victory
San Francisco kicker Eddy Piñeiro was the standout performer, converting all six of his field-goal attempts. His impressive night included kicks from 51, 54 and 59 yards, allowing the 49ers to build their entire 18-point total through field goals. San Francisco finished the preseason with a 2-1 record.
The 49ers also received a strong performance from running back Mike Washington Jr., who rushed for 49 yards on eight carries. With Ashton Jeanty dealing with an undisclosed injury, Washington could have an opportunity to take on a larger role when the regular season begins.
Mendoza Faces a Tough Test
Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza experienced a difficult night against San Francisco’s reserve defense. The No. 1 overall pick completed 7 of 14 passes for 57 yards, threw an interception and was sacked twice. Across three preseason games, Mendoza finished with 240 passing yards, one touchdown, two interceptions and four sacks.
Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins also played two drives for Las Vegas, completing 8 of 11 passes for 51 yards. Both of his drives ended with field goals, as the Raiders finished the preseason 1-2. The team now faces decisions about how to divide quarterback responsibilities and finalize its roster.
Focus Shifts to Regular Season
The preseason finale also brought several injury concerns. 49ers cornerback Ephesians Prysock and tight end Brayden Willis were injured, while Raiders defensive end Keyron Crawford left with an ankle injury. Both teams now have to finalize their 53-man rosters before turning their attention to the regular season.
The 49ers will open their regular season against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, on September 10, while the Raiders will host the Miami Dolphins on September 13. Although Thursday’s game was only a preseason matchup, the rivalry provided one final test before both teams begin their push toward the regular season.
Source : cbsnews.com
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