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Kirk Cousins to Start; Fernando Mendoza Backup

8/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Raiders coach Klint Kubiak announced Kirk Cousins will start at quarterback while No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza will be his backup.
Mendoza completed passes to Malik Benson and Jack Bech during Tuesday practice at Allegiant Stadium.
Vinny Bonsignore said the competition remains open, leaving Mendoza a possible Week 1 starter.
The August 13, 2026 preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals will give Mendoza ample playing time.

History

Historical Context

The Patriots drafted Tom Brady in 2000 at 199th overall and kept him as a backup. When Drew Bledsoe was injured in week two of 2001, Brady became starter, guided New England to a Super Bowl XXXVI win in February 2002, and showed a backup can become a cornerstone—a narrative the Raiders echo by naming rookie Fernando Mendoza backup to veteran Kirk Cousins this week.

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Story summary

Raiders coach Klint Kubiak announced Kirk Cousins will start at quarterback while No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza will be his backup.
Mendoza completed passes to Malik Benson and Jack Bech during Tuesday practice at Allegiant Stadium.
Vinny Bonsignore said the competition remains open, leaving Mendoza a possible Week 1 starter.
The August 13, 2026 preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals will give Mendoza ample playing time.

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