Raiders to name Kirk Cousins starting QB for Week 1 over Fernando Mendoza
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 29, 2026, 9:56 PM
Last updated Aug 29, 2026
The Las Vegas Raiders have decided to start Kirk Cousins at quarterback for Week 1 of the 2026 season. This decision comes as Cousins, 38, transitions from a season with the Atlanta Falcons and has outperformed the team's No. 1 overall draft pick, Fernando Mendoza, during the preseason. Despite Mendoza showing potential, he completed 55.6% of his passes with one touchdown and two interceptions while Cousins went 13-of-17 for 101 yards and a touchdown. The decision to start Cousins aligns with first-year coach Klint Kubiak's philosophy of developing young quarterbacks by having them learn from established players.
- •Kirk Cousins named Week 1 starter for the Raiders.
- •Fernando Mendoza will be the backup after being the No. 1 overall pick.
- •Cousins completed 13-of-17 passes during the preseason.
- •Mendoza showed flashes but struggled with turnovers.
- •Klint Kubiak emphasizes developmental approach for young quarterbacks.
- 2:49 PMYahoo Sports — Raiders could have a quarterback controversy brewing in Las Vegas
- 9:56 PMCBS NFL — Raiders expected to name Kirk Cousins Week 1 starter over No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza
"Kirk Cousins appears set to open the season as the Raiders’ starter, but rookie Fernando Mendoza has shown enough this preseason to make Las Vegas’ quarterback future much more intriguing.
"The Raiders plan to open the season with the 38-year-old Cousins under center while Mendoza begins his NFL career as a backup
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 30, 2026, 2:49 PMRaiders could have a quarterback controversy brewing in Las Vegas
Kirk Cousins appears set to open the season as the Raiders’ starter, but rookie Fernando Mendoza has shown enough this preseason to make Las Vegas’ quarterback future much more intriguing.
- CBS NFLAug 29, 2026, 9:56 PMRaiders expected to name Kirk Cousins Week 1 starter over No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza
The Raiders plan to open the season with the 38-year-old Cousins under center while Mendoza begins his NFL career as a backup
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