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Raiders Keep Rookie Mendoza as Week One Backup

8/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Las Vegas Raiders will keep rookie No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza as Kirk Cousins’s Week 1 backup.
Head coach Klint Kubiak said Cousins will start the first day of camp to give Mendoza a path.
Kubiak said the best way to usher a young quarterback is to bring him along slowly and not start him.
Mendoza said he is embracing the follower role and is comfortable sitting and learning.

History

Historical Context

After the Colts endured a 3-13 season in 1997, they used the 1998 NFL Draft’s first overall pick—quarterback Peyton Manning—to start immediately, sparking a 10-game turnaround to 13-3 in 1999. The Raiders now mirror that patient strategy, keeping rookie No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza as a Week 1 backup under coach Klint Kubiak.

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Story summary

The Las Vegas Raiders will keep rookie No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza as Kirk Cousins’s Week 1 backup.
Head coach Klint Kubiak said Cousins will start the first day of camp to give Mendoza a path.
Kubiak said the best way to usher a young quarterback is to bring him along slowly and not start him.
Mendoza said he is embracing the follower role and is comfortable sitting and learning.

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