Raiders head coach evaluating Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza for QB1 role
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 28, 2026, 5:57 PM
Last updated Aug 28, 2026

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak has yet to name a starting quarterback ahead of the team’s Week 1 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. The competition is primarily between veteran Kirk Cousins and rookie Fernando Mendoza. Kubiak has stated that Cousins has the job to lose, emphasizing the importance of developmental time for Mendoza. In their final preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers, Cousins completed 8 of 11 passes for 51 yards, while Mendoza went 7 of 14 for 57 yards with one interception. The NFL's three-game preseason format has limited both quarterbacks' opportunities to secure the starting role. The Raiders are set to start their regular season at home on September 13.
- •Klint Kubiak has not officially named a starting QB.
- •Cousins completed 8 of 11 passes in the last preseason game.
- •Mendoza struggled with 7 completions and one interception.
- •Raiders open the season against the Dolphins on September 13.
- •Limited preseason games reduce opportunities for rookie players.
- 5:57 PMCBS NFL — Raiders' Klint Kubiak still won't name Week 1 QB starter, here's why all signs point to Kirk Cousins
"Kubiak has said it's Cousins' job to lose, but won't officially name a QB1
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NFL•Aug 28, 2026, 8:27 PMFormer Browns WR Andrew Hawkins Says Shedeur Sanders Deserves the Chance Over Deshaun Watson
NFL•Aug 28, 2026, 8:26 PMMatt Patricia Pulls Back the Curtain on the Patriots’ Unusual Bill Belichick-Era Practices
NFL•Aug 28, 2026, 8:16 PMTodd Monken Reveals Stance On Dillon Gabriel’s Impressive Outing vs. Patriots Affecting Browns QB Depth Chart
NFL•Aug 28, 2026, 8:16 PMTua Tagovailoa’s Falcons future rocked by stunning warning as ESPN voice raises alarm
NFL•Aug 28, 2026, 8:16 PMLions vs. Colts Final Preseason: TV Channel, Start Time and How to Stream
NFL•Aug 28, 2026, 8:16 PMGregory Desrosiers Jr. forces hard choices for Chargers 53-man roster
