Las Vegas Raiders name Kirk Cousins starting quarterback for season opener
5 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 3, 2026, 7:13 PM
Last updated Sep 3, 2026
The Las Vegas Raiders announced that Kirk Cousins will start at quarterback for the team's season opener against the Miami Dolphins. Coach Klint Kubiak confirmed the decision on Wednesday, September 2, citing the veteran's strong performance during the offseason and training camp. While the team selected Fernando Mendoza first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, the organization intends to take a measured approach to the rookie's development. Cousins maintains an established rapport with Kubiak, having previously worked together in Minnesota. The Raiders view the veteran as a bridge quarterback and mentor, tasking him with providing stability for the offense. Fernando Mendoza and Aidan O'Connell will serve as backups to begin the season.
- •Kirk Cousins will start at quarterback against the Miami Dolphins.
- •Coach Klint Kubiak announced the decision on September 2.
- •Fernando Mendoza and Aidan O'Connell will serve as backups.
- •The team aims to use a conservative approach for the rookie's transition to the NFL.
- •Tom Brady participated in the discussions regarding the team's roster and schematics.
- 7:13 PMYahoo Sports — Former Vikings QB named starting QB for his new team
- 8:12 PMYahoo Sports — Ex-Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins Named Raiders Starter
- 5:58 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Right Decision,’ ‘Fernando Mendoza Will Take Over by Week 8’ — NFL World Has Mixed Reactions to Kirk Cousins Becoming Raiders QB1
- 5:40 PMYahoo Sports — 'He's earned it': Why Raiders named Kirk Cousins starting QB
- 4:34 PMNFL News — Kirk Cousins named Raiders' starting quarterback - raiders.com
"If the Atlanta Falcons hadn’t released QB Kirk Cousins in the offseason, they would have an answer for who their starting QB would be. It’s understandable why the Falcons wanted to offload Cousins’ massive contract off their hands, but they still owe Cousins a good chunk of the contract they gave him, and he’s now […] The post Ex-Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins Named Raiders Starter appeared first on HEAVY.
"It felt inevitable since both players first came to the roster. But the Las Vegas Raiders finally made it official, declaring Kirk Cousins their Week 1 starter.
"In a much-anticipated decision, the Las Vegas Raiders did the expected and named Kirk Cousins their starting quarterback for Week 1.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 3, 2026, 7:13 PMFormer Vikings QB named starting QB for his new team
Former Vikings QB Kirk Cousins was named the starting quarterback for the Raiders on Wednesday.
- Yahoo SportsSep 2, 2026, 8:12 PMEx-Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins Named Raiders Starter
If the Atlanta Falcons hadn’t released QB Kirk Cousins in the offseason, they would have an answer for who their starting QB would be. It’s understandable why the Falcons wanted to offload Cousins’ massive contract off their hands, but they still owe Cousins a good chunk of the contract they gave him, and he’s now […] The post Ex-Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins Named Raiders Starter appeared first on HEAVY.
- Yahoo SportsSep 2, 2026, 5:58 PM‘Right Decision,’ ‘Fernando Mendoza Will Take Over by Week 8’ — NFL World Has Mixed Reactions to Kirk Cousins Becoming Raiders QB1
It felt inevitable since both players first came to the roster. But the Las Vegas Raiders finally made it official, declaring Kirk Cousins their Week 1 starter.
- Yahoo SportsSep 2, 2026, 5:40 PM'He's earned it': Why Raiders named Kirk Cousins starting QB
In a much-anticipated decision, the Las Vegas Raiders did the expected and named Kirk Cousins their starting quarterback for Week 1.
- NFL NewsSep 2, 2026, 4:34 PMKirk Cousins named Raiders' starting quarterback - raiders.com
"Kirk's had a really good offseason, very good camp and he's earned it," Klint Kubiak said Wednesday.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
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