WATCH: Texans rookie Kayden McDonald records first NFL sack on No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza
The Houston Texans defense is giving Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza a real welcome to the NFL.
First, rookie linebacker Wade Woodaz had an 80-yard pick-six.
Then, early in the second quarter, defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, Houston’s second-round pick, notched his first NFL sack for a loss of 11 yards.
Here is a look at the sack, courtesy of the Texans’ social media account:
KMAC WITH THE SACK 😮💨
📺: @nflonespnpic.twitter.com/kOks1uMcrW
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) August 21, 2026
McDonald was expected to be a terror to defend after an All-American season at Ohio State, but he seems to be even better than advertised entering the final preseason game against the Carolina Panthers. Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. praised the rookie’s work ethic, but also his growth from OTAs to the second week of training camp.
“He has his body in good shape. His mindset’s getting there,” Anderson said following Tuesday’s joint practice. “He’s been leaning on us big time. He’s been learning the system. He’s been good, taking care of his body. We told him we need you. You’re going to be playing a lot for us. He’s taking that as a challenge. He’s gotten better every single practice. Every practice we watch, he’s taking that step of becoming exactly who we need him to be on this defense.”
The Raiders would get some yards back on third down and make the 52-yard field goal to give Las Vegas their first points of the game. Houston still has a 14-point lead.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: WATCH: Texans rookie Kayden McDonald records first NFL sack on No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza
