Las Vegas Raiders plan to start Kirk Cousins over rookie Fernando Mendoza

The Las Vegas Raiders intend to keep Fernando Mendoza on the bench as they enter the regular season, favoring veteran Kirk Cousins as the starting quarterback. Coaching staff and analysts suggest the team needs more stability in pass protection and reliable target separation from the receiving corps before transitioning to the rookie. Offensive line adjustments remain a priority, as the unit has faced inconsistency throughout the preseason due to injury and shifting personnel. Head coach Klint Kubiak has publicly challenged his receivers to improve route consistency and catch-point reliability. While Mendoza has shown promise during camp, the organization aims to avoid placing him in high-pressure scenarios behind an incomplete offensive line. Aidan O’Connell remains on the roster as an additional option during the development period.

• 9:44 PMYahoo Sports — Why Fernando Mendoza should sit