Raiders name Kirk Cousins starter over rookie Fernando Mendoza for season opener
2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 2, 2026, 5:40 PM
Last updated Sep 2, 2026
The Las Vegas Raiders have named 38-year-old Kirk Cousins as the starting quarterback for their September 13 season opener against the Miami Dolphins. Head coach Klint Kubiak confirmed the decision following a preseason stint where Cousins completed 13 of 17 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown. The team opted to hold back No. 1 overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza to begin the year, citing a desire to protect the rookie from potential pressure behind an offensive line facing uncertainty. Mendoza, a Heisman Trophy winner who led Indiana to a national championship, struggled during preseason action by completing 25 of 45 passes for 240 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. General manager John Spytek stated that the team remains committed to the rookie's development, noting that his opportunity to lead the offense will arrive after he continues to earn the role through daily preparation.
- •Kirk Cousins starts for the Las Vegas Raiders on September 13 against the Miami Dolphins.
- •Fernando Mendoza was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
- •The Raiders coaching staff expressed concerns regarding offensive line stability for the rookie.
- •Cousins earned the starting role after a 13-of-17 performance during the preseason.
- •General manager John Spytek confirmed the organization remains pleased with Mendoza's work ethic.
- 9:24 PMYahoo Sports — Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza brings new era to Las Vegas Raiders
- 5:40 PMYahoo Sports — Fernando Mendoza of Indiana football starts his NFL career on the bench for Las Vegas Raiders
"The presence of rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza has provided something new for this once-proud organization that has gone more than two decades without a playoff victory — hope. Whether Mendoza, the top pick in this year's draft after winning the Heisman Trophy and taking Indiana to the national championship, actually delivers is another question. The Raiders signed veteran Kirk Cousins, who will start the season and could serve as a bridge.
"Here's where the Heisman trophy-winning, national champion quarterback for Indiana football will start his rookie NFL season.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 2, 2026, 9:24 PMHeisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza brings new era to Las Vegas Raiders
The presence of rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza has provided something new for this once-proud organization that has gone more than two decades without a playoff victory — hope. Whether Mendoza, the top pick in this year's draft after winning the Heisman Trophy and taking Indiana to the national championship, actually delivers is another question. The Raiders signed veteran Kirk Cousins, who will start the season and could serve as a bridge.
- Yahoo SportsSep 2, 2026, 5:40 PMFernando Mendoza of Indiana football starts his NFL career on the bench for Las Vegas Raiders
Here's where the Heisman trophy-winning, national champion quarterback for Indiana football will start his rookie NFL season.
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