Raiders coach confirms Kirk Cousins as starting quarterback over Mendoza
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 28, 2026, 7:11 PM
Last updated Jul 28, 2026
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak announced that Kirk Cousins will be the starting quarterback for training camp. Cousins, signed to a two-year contract earlier this year, has been described as deserving of the starting role due to his past performance. Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 pick in the April draft, is expected to develop in a backup role as the team eases him into play. Kubiak emphasized the importance of how Mendoza transitions into his future role, highlighting the competition among quarterbacks during training camp.
- •Kirk Cousins confirmed as starting quarterback for training camp
- •Fernando Mendoza to push for starting position
- •Mendoza was the No. 1 pick in April's NFL Draft
- •Cousins signed a two-year contract this offseason
- •Kubiak's challenge includes developing Mendoza's role
- 10:02 PMYahoo Sports — Kirk Cousins, not Fernando Mendoza, will be QB1 to start Raiders training camp
- 9:03 PMESPN — QB Cousins gets nod over Mendoza to open camp
- 8:23 PMYahoo Sports — Raiders, Klint Kubiak make starting quarterback decision
- 8:01 PMYahoo Sports — Klint Kubiak: Kirk Cousins is the starting QB, Fernando Mendoza and Aidan O'Connell should push him
- 7:11 PMYahoo Sports — Raiders coach Klint Kubiak: Kirk Cousins is 'the starting quarterback' over No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza
- 7:11 PMYahoo Sports — Raiders coach Klint Kubiak: Kirk Cousins is 'our starting quarterback' over No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza
"How Mendoza develops and is placed into the starting position will be the most important challenge for Kubiak as a rookie head coach.
"How Mendoza develops and is placed into the starting position will be the most important challenge for Kubiak as a rookie head coach.
"Klint Kubiak said veteran QB Kirk Cousins will open training camp as the Raiders' starter, in front of No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 28, 2026, 10:02 PMKirk Cousins, not Fernando Mendoza, will be QB1 to start Raiders training camp
Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak said veteran Kirk Cousins will be the starter over Fernando Mendoza as training camp begins.
- ESPNJul 28, 2026, 9:03 PMQB Cousins gets nod over Mendoza to open camp
Klint Kubiak said veteran QB Kirk Cousins will open training camp as the Raiders' starter, in front of No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza.
- Yahoo SportsJul 28, 2026, 8:23 PMRaiders, Klint Kubiak make starting quarterback decision
Veteran Kirk Cousins or rookie Fernando Mendoza?
- Yahoo SportsJul 28, 2026, 8:01 PMKlint Kubiak: Kirk Cousins is the starting QB, Fernando Mendoza and Aidan O'Connell should push him
The Raiders signed quarterback Kirk Cousins to be their starter, and that’s exactly how he’s set to enter training camp.
- Yahoo SportsJul 28, 2026, 7:11 PMRaiders coach Klint Kubiak: Kirk Cousins is 'the starting quarterback' over No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza
How Mendoza develops and is placed into the starting position will be the most important challenge for Kubiak as a rookie head coach.
- Yahoo SportsJul 28, 2026, 7:11 PMRaiders coach Klint Kubiak: Kirk Cousins is 'our starting quarterback' over No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza
How Mendoza develops and is placed into the starting position will be the most important challenge for Kubiak as a rookie head coach.
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