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Raiders Name Kirk Cousins Week 1 Starter

8/30/2026

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Summary

Cousins Named Starter

The Las Vegas Raiders named veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins as the Week 1 starter.
Cousins completed 13 of 17 passes for 101 yards and one touchdown in the preseason.
Rookie No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza threw 25 of 45 for 240 yards, one TD, two INTs in preseason.
Kubiak indicated Mendoza could begin the season as the third-string quarterback behind Cousins and Aidan O’Connell.

Summary

Crow Lights Torch

Original Raider Wayne Crow lit the Al Davis Memorial Torch during the Raiders’ preseason finale.
The ceremony honored Crow’s 1961 punter and defensive back role and the franchise’s early years.
Organizers linked the 2026 preseason to the team’s inaugural season, emphasizing continuity with a 1961 theme.
The torch lighting opened festivities at Allegiant Stadium before the Raiders faced the 49ers, celebrating heritage despite a tough preseason.

History

Historical Context

The Oakland Raiders were founded Jan 30 1960 as an AFL charter franchise and joined the NFL in the 1970 merger. After moves to Los Angeles and back to Oakland, the franchise relocated to Las Vegas in 2020, playing at Allegiant Stadium. In December 2024 the team sold a 15% stake to outside investors, underscoring its ongoing evolution.

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Cousins Named Starter

The Las Vegas Raiders named veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins as the Week 1 starter.
Cousins completed 13 of 17 passes for 101 yards and one touchdown in the preseason.
Rookie No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza threw 25 of 45 for 240 yards, one TD, two INTs in preseason.
Kubiak indicated Mendoza could begin the season as the third-string quarterback behind Cousins and Aidan O’Connell.

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