The Las Vegas Raiders begin preparations for their first game of the 2026 season this week against the Arizona Cardinals in the first week of the preseason. This is a grand opportunity for a roster filled with young players to showcase what they have learned to this point, and this week's game will show just how much they have grown and where they need to improve.Las Vegas will also be getting a closer look at its depth and who could step up when asked. The Raiders' depth has improved across the board, and it is an accomplishment general manager John Spytek should pat himself on the back for. However, in a long, tiring season, as expected, these five projected backups could quickly become important starters.Fernando Mendoza, QuarterbackJun 9, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) runs during minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectMendoza is likely to spend his first couple of months, more or less, watching the action from the sidelines as Kirk Cousins is expected to begin the season as the starter. While this is a cliché pick, it is the most obvious one, as Mendoza should start at some point this year, and when it does happen, the former No. 1 overall draft choice will be ready.Charles Grant, Offensive TackleJun 3, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders offensive tackle Charles Grant (60) warms up during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectLet's say the Raiders are in a better place at backup offensive tackle than they were last year, with Stone Forsythe getting significant playing time due to injuries on the edges. Grant is a talented, toolsy lineman entering his second year as the projected backup left tackle for Kolton Miller. If the latter were to be lost for a game or more with an injury, the Raiders would need to lean on the young lineman from William & Mary to protect Cousins or Mendoza's blindside.Cody Lindenberg, LinebackerJun 9, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) during minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectOne of the more concerning aspects of the Raiders' defense is the lack of ample depth behind Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean, the latter of whom has struggled to stay healthy in past seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. Cody Lindenberg spent much of last season performing on special teams units and was essentially redshirted. Now, he holds a much bigger role as a rotational linebacker who could quickly become a key piece of the defense behind an oft-injured player.Michael Mayer, Tight EndDec 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) runs with the ball in the third quarter against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectAnother cliché, yet painfully obvious player to include on this list. Michael Mayer would be a starter on several NFL teams and is an incredibly talented tight end who hasn't had many opportunities to showcase his high-end skill set behind Brock Bowers. Bowers missed time last season, and Mayer stepped right in and became a reliable security blanket for the quarterback.Mayer enters a contract year and is easily one of the most valuable No. 2 tight ends in the NFL. There should be little reason for concern if Mayer were to start any games this season.Trey Zuhn III, Offensive LinemanMay 20, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders guard Trey Zuhn III (66) warms up during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThe third-round selection from Texas A&M is emerging as a fun player to witness in the trenches with his incredible versatility to play any of the five spots along the offensive line. Zuhn has already made himself a valuable contributor to the offensive trenches in Las Vegas with that skill set and is a reliable spot starter at center or either guard spot this fall. Injuries happen all the time upfront, meaning Zuhn's number will be called at some point.Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow