Full Breakdown
Raiders Edge Toward Naming Veteran Kirk Cousins as Week 1 Starter
8/30/2026, 2:15:04 AM
Core Event: Week 1 Quarterback Decision
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak has not issued an official depth-chart announcement ahead of the season opener against the Miami Dolphins on September 13. Repeated on-field usage, preseason performance differentials, and the coach’s comments have positioned veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins as the likely starter, with first-overall pick Fernando Mendoza projected to begin the season as a backup.
Background & Context
Kubiak entered his first season as Raiders head coach after serving as the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive coordinator. The franchise selected Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, while Cousins, a 38-year-old veteran, signed as an offseason free agent. From day one of training camp, Kubiak indicated a developmental philosophy that would keep the rookie behind an established starter, a plan reinforced by the limited three-game preseason schedule.
Data & Statistics
- Kirk Cousins – 13-of-17 completions for 101 yards, one touchdown, 82 QB rating across two preseason games.
- Fernando Mendoza – 25-of-45 completions (55.6 %) for 240 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions, two sacks.
The Raiders’ offense managed only field goals in the 18-12 loss to San Francisco, highlighting limited scoring when both quarterbacks shared snaps.
Official Statements & Responses
Kubiak emphasized that a formal starter designation was unnecessary at this stage, noting, “I still don’t think we need to name anybody,” and that the staff needed additional film review. He praised Cousins for “leading the offense” and highlighted the rookie’s need for more preseason exposure. Cousins acknowledged the fluid nature of the decision, saying a naming could change. Mendoza noted the league’s speed, stating, “It’s the NFL, there are monsters on the other side of the ball and you need to get the ball out quick.”
On-the-Ground Reports
The preseason finale at Allegiant Stadium on August 27, 2026 saw the Raiders fall 18-12 to the 49ers, with all points coming from field goals (Eddy Piñeiro for San Francisco, Matt Gay for Las Vegas). Cousins opened the game, completing his two drives for field-goal attempts, while Mendoza’s limited snaps produced the statistical line above.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No official roster announcement has been released, leaving the exact Week 1 quarterback order unconfirmed. Media outlets uniformly report that Cousins is “expected” to start, yet Kubiak’s public statements stop short of a definitive declaration.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He needs another three preseason games,” — Klint Kubiak, head coach
- “I still don’t think we need to name anybody,” — Klint Kubiak, head coach
- “Naming something one day could change the next,” — Kirk Cousins, veteran quarterback
- “It’s the NFL, there are monsters on the other side of the ball and you need to get the ball out quick,” — Fernando Mendoza, rookie quarterback
What’s Next
The Raiders must finalize their depth chart before the September 13 home opener versus the Miami Dolphins. The decision will determine whether Cousins leads the offense from the outset or if the staff opts for a different configuration after reviewing the final preseason film.
