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Klint Kubiak Won't Name Week 1 Starter

8/22/2026

44 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Head coach Klint Kubiak said he will not name a Week 1 starter.
Kubiak told reporters he wants no one comfortable in their job.
Rookie Fernando Mendoza started the Aug 20 preseason game against the Texans and threw a pick-six.
Veteran Kirk Cousins sat out, taking only one drive in two preseason contests.
The Raiders will face the 49ers on Aug 27 and likely start Cousins against Miami on Sep 13.

History

Historical Context

In 2004 the New England Patriots replaced veteran Drew Bledsoe with Tom Brady, a move that sparked a mid-season quarterback overhaul later echoed when the Dallas Cowboys sidelined Kirk Cousins for rookie Fernando Mendoza. That season also saw the Boston Red Sox end an 86-year World Series drought, illustrating how unexpected roster shifts reshaped championship odds across major U.S. sports.

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Story summary

Head coach Klint Kubiak said he will not name a Week 1 starter.
Kubiak told reporters he wants no one comfortable in their job.
Rookie Fernando Mendoza started the Aug 20 preseason game against the Texans and threw a pick-six.
Veteran Kirk Cousins sat out, taking only one drive in two preseason contests.
The Raiders will face the 49ers on Aug 27 and likely start Cousins against Miami on Sep 13.

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