Full Breakdown
Raiders Choose Veteran Kirk Cousins Over Rookie No. 1 Pick Fernando Mendoza for Week 1
8/30/2026, 5:53:32 AM
Core Decision: Cousins Named Starter
The Las Vegas Raiders have indicated that veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins will start the 2026 regular-season opener, keeping first-overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza as his backup. The decision follows the conclusion of the preseason and aligns with head coach Klint Kubiak’s stated preference for a seasoned starter while the rookie continues to develop.
Background & Coach’s Philosophy
Kubiak entered his first season as head coach after serving as the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive coordinator. Throughout training camp he emphasized a developmental path that places a young quarterback behind an established veteran. The coach has repeatedly said that additional preseason games would benefit Mendoza, but the NFL’s three-game preseason limit leaves limited in-game reps for rookies.
Data & Statistics
- Kirk Cousins (38): Completed 13 of 17 passes for 101 yards and one touchdown in the summer preseason series.
- Fernando Mendoza (first overall pick): Completed 25 of 45 attempts (55.6%) for 240 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions across the preseason. In the final preseason game versus the San Francisco 49ers, Mendoza went 7 of 14 for 57 yards, an interception and was sacked twice, yielding a low passer rating.
- Offensive line: Pro Football Focus ranks the Raiders’ line 18th in the league, indicating ongoing pass-protection challenges for any quarterback, especially a rookie.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Kubiak explained that the extra preseason reps would have been “very valuable” for Mendoza’s learning, but the limited schedule prevents that.
ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler has reported a growing consensus within the organization that Cousins will start, citing multiple sources close to the Raiders.
Why It Matters
Starting Cousins provides immediate stability for an offense still adjusting to a new line and a first-year head coach. The approach also preserves Mendoza’s long-term development by allowing him to observe the veteran’s preparation and decision-making without the pressure of an early-season debut. Should the team fall out of playoff contention, the coaching staff retains the flexibility to transition to Mendoza later in the season under reduced scrutiny.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I just think he's taking practice to the field,” — Klint Kubiak, first-year coach
- “Us as coaches we gotta get them ready to play, keep developing them.” — The HC
- “I'd love to play [Mendoza] the whole game but there's other guys we want to get looked at and I thought overall this preseason that we got him plenty of time,” — Klint Kubiak, first-year coach
- “When we go out to practice tomorrow, Kirk Cousins is the starting quarterback,” — Klint Kubiak, first-year coach
