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Raiders Still Waiting on Week 1 Starting QB

8/29/2026

21 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Coach Klint Kubiak said the Raiders have not yet named a Week 1 starting quarterback.
Fernando Mendoza, 2026 No. 1 pick, completed 7 of 14 passes for 57 yards, threw one interception and was sacked twice.
Veteran Kirk Cousins led two preseason games, completing 13 of 17 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown.
ESPN analyst Jeremy Fowler said most insiders expect Cousins to start before the Sunday 6 p.m. ET roster deadline.

History

Historical Context

After Tom Brady’s season-ending knee injury in 2008, the New England Patriots promoted backup Matt Cassel, who guided the team to an 11-5 record and kept playoff hopes alive. That veteran-turn-starter move demonstrated how sudden quarterback changes can shape a franchise’s direction. Today, Raiders coach Klint Kubiak faces a comparable choice between veteran Kirk Cousins and rookie Fernando Mendoza for Week 1.

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Story summary

Coach Klint Kubiak said the Raiders have not yet named a Week 1 starting quarterback.
Fernando Mendoza, 2026 No. 1 pick, completed 7 of 14 passes for 57 yards, threw one interception and was sacked twice.
Veteran Kirk Cousins led two preseason games, completing 13 of 17 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown.
ESPN analyst Jeremy Fowler said most insiders expect Cousins to start before the Sunday 6 p.m. ET roster deadline.

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