Raiders name veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins the starter for week 1

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak announced that Kirk Cousins will start at quarterback for the team’s season opener. The 38-year-old veteran beat out rookie Fernando Mendoza, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Cousins, who signed a one-year, $20 million contract during the offseason, appeared in two preseason games and completed 13-of-17 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown. Mendoza, along with Aiden O’Connell, took the majority of the snaps throughout the preseason while the coaching staff prepared the rookie for a long-term role. Although reports previously suggested the team might wait until December to transition to Mendoza, the organization remains focused on the long-term health of the franchise. Cousins enters his 15th NFL season with previous experience in Washington, Minnesota, and Atlanta.

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