Raiders QB Competition: Kirk Cousins Has Clear Edge over Fernando Mendoza
Kirk Cousins has the edge after a near-perfect preseason series, while coach Klint Kubiak still has not named a Week 1 starter.
- Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak declined to name a starting quarterback following the team's 22-20 preseason win over the Houston Texans on Thursday, Aug. 20, opting to keep the decision internal as the regular season approaches.
- Kubiak rested veteran Kirk Cousins during the Texans game to prioritize joint practice evaluations, stating, "I don't want anyone to be comfortable in their job." The approach manages the quarterback transition between Cousins and rookie Fernando Mendoza.
- Rookie Fernando Mendoza started the game, finishing 8-of-15 for 86 yards while throwing an 80-yard pick-six to Houston linebacker Wade Woodaz. The performance demonstrates the learning curve Mendoza faces competing for the starting role against veteran Cousins.
- Despite the ongoing competition, Cousins remains the projected starter, with Kubiak stating, "Kirk's been getting the reps with the ones." Observers view the situation as the veteran's job to lose heading into the season.
- Preseason action concludes at home against the San Francisco 49ers on Aug. 27 at Allegiant Stadium, with the team opening the regular season against the visiting Miami Dolphins on Sept. 13.
17 Articles
17 Articles
North Platte Nebraska's Newspaper
Raiders not ready to name starting QB
Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak is in no rush to name a starting quarterback and says the battle between rookie Fernando Mendoza and veteran Kirk Cousins will continue.
Raiders coach leaves door open to Fernando Mendoza as starting QB
Apr 24, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza speaks at introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center after being selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to go with Kirk Cousins as their Week 1 quarterback, but coach Klint Kubiak is stubbornly refusing to say so. Kubiak refused to name a quarterback …
Raiders Get Strong Take on QB Situation After Beating Texans
Klint Kubiak’s comments about the Las Vegas Raiders‘ QB situation following the team’s 22-20 win over the Houston Texans on Aug. 20 at NRG Stadium are being analyzed by the national football media. After the win, Kubiak was asked if veteran Kirk Cousins will be the team’s Week 1 starter. However, the Raiders head coach […] The post Raiders Get Strong Take on QB Situation After Beating Texans appeared first on HEAVY.
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Raiders not quite ready to name starting quarterback
Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak is in no rush to name a starting quarterback and says the battle between rookie Fernando Mendoza and veteran Kirk Cousins will continue. "We got another week. I don't want anyone to be comfortable in their job," ...
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