Full Breakdown
Raiders Keep QB Starter Undecided as Preseason Ends
8/22/2026, 8:25:33 AM
Core Event
After a 22-20 preseason win over the Houston Texans on August 20, 2026, Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak said he is not prepared to announce the Week 1 starting quarterback. Both veteran Kirk Cousins and rookie Fernando Mendoza saw limited action, and Kubiak emphasized that no player will be told they have a secured role.
Background & Context
The quarterback competition pits the 38-year-old Cousins, signed as a bridge starter, against Mendoza, the Raiders’ No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft who made his first NFL start in Houston. Kubiak, a first-year head coach, inherited a staff with several newcomers, including offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko and quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan. The organization has framed Mendoza’s development as a gradual process, avoiding the “throw-him-in-the-fire” approach used by some teams in recent years.
Data & Statistics
- Fernando Mendoza: 8-of-15 passes for 86 yards, 0 touchdowns, 1 interception that was returned 80 yards for a defensive score.
- Kirk Cousins: 5-of-6 passes for 50 yards, 1 touchdown, 0 interceptions in his single preseason drive.
- Aidan O’Connell: contributed a go-ahead rushing touchdown in the final seconds of the Texans game.
These figures come from the Raiders’ preseason box scores and illustrate the disparity in playing time and performance between the two primary contenders.
Official Statements & Responses
Kubiak repeatedly stressed a philosophy of “continuous competition.” The organization has not released an official depth-chart naming a Week 1 starter, stating only that the decision will be made after another week of preparation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’ve got another week of playing. I don’t want anyone to be comfortable in their job,” — Klint Kubiak, Raiders head coach “We’ve got another week of playing. I don’t want anyone to be comfortable in their job,” — Klint Kubiak, raiders head coach
- “I just don’t think it ever benefits a player to know that they have a spot secured,” — Klint Kubiak, Raiders head coach “I just don’t think it ever benefits a player to know that they have a spot secured,” — Klint Kubiak, raiders head coach
- “I really liked what he did on third down,” — Klint Kubiak, Raiders head coach “I really liked what he did on third down,” — Klint Kubiak, raiders head coach
- “I probably should have checked it down to the flat,” — Fernando Mendoza, Raiders rookie quarterback “I probably should have checked it down to the flat,” — Fernando Mendoza
- “It was not a good throw.” — Fernando Mendoza, Raiders rookie quarterback “It was not a good throw,” — Fernando Mendoza
What’s Next
The Raiders will close the preseason with a game later this month against the San Francisco 49ers. The regular season begins on September 13 when Las Vegas faces the Miami Dolphins, and all indications suggest Cousins is the favored starter for that opener, though no formal announcement has been made.
