Klint Kubiak Selects Kirk Cousins as Raiders Starting QB for Opener Against Miami
Klint Kubiak said the veteran won the job after a strong offseason, and rookie Fernando Mendoza will open the year as the backup.
- On Wednesday, Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak officially named veteran Kirk Cousins the team's starting quarterback for Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins.
- Concluding a high-profile training camp competition, the team chose Cousins over rookie Fernando Mendoza, whom leadership prioritized developing before rushing into action.
- Mendoza will serve as backup quarterback with Aidan O'Connell also on the roster, mirroring Baker Mayfield's 2018 rookie season with the Cleveland Browns when he didn't start Week 1.
- Kubiak outlined a rigorous development plan for Mendoza, stating "there's always early work, late work, more meetings, plenty of time on the field between drills with Coach Sullivan and Coach Janocko."
- The Raiders open the 2026 NFL season on Sept. 13 before facing division rival Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2 at SoFi Stadium, marking the first major test under center for Cousins.
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The quarterback decision at the Las Vegas Raiders has finally been made. Instead of Fernando Mendoza, the first pick in the NFL Draft 2026, the choice is for the experienced Kirk cousins.
NFL Week 1 Will *NOT* See Top Pick Fernando Mendoza Make Rookie Debut
The NFL season kicks off one week from today. Yeah, I’m still trying to figure out how I feel about a Wednesday opener. But that might be a discussion for another day. Anyway, when the Las Vegas Raiders take the field in Week1, they won’t be turning to their No. 1 overall pick to take the first snap under center. Fernando Mendoza Will *NOT* Be the Raiders’ Starting QB in Week 1 To be clear, Fernando Mendoza is still the future face of the Raider…
Radio France Internationale
Raiders to start Cousins over top NFL Draft pick Mendoza
Heisman Trophy winner Mendoza will have to wait his turn after new coach Klint Kubiak put his early faith in 38-year-old veteran Cousins, who will start for his fourth NFL franchise. "Kirk's going to be the starting quarterback," Kubiak told a press conference. "He has played really good football... Kirk has had a really good offseason, very good camp. He earned it." Barring any last-minute changes, it will mark the first time since Baker Mayfie…
Santa Maria Times
HENDERSON, Nevada, USA (AP) — Kirk Cousins, as expected, will be the title quarterback of the Raiders when Las Vegas opens its home season on September 13 against Miami, announced on Wednesday coach Klint Kubiak.
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