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Raiders Name Kirk Cousins Week 1 Starter, Mendoza Backup

9/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Las Vegas Raiders named veteran Kirk Cousins the Week 1 starter.
Rookie No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza is the backup quarterback.
Coach Klint Kubiak declined to say whether Fernando Mendoza or Aidan O’Connell would replace Kirk Cousins.
GM John Spytek said the Raiders will develop Fernando Mendoza slowly rather than start him.
If Kirk Cousins struggles, Fernando Mendoza is positioned to take over as the next man up.

History

Historical Context

In 2001, after Drew Bledsoe’s injury, sixth-round 199th-overall pick Tom Brady became New England’s starter, guiding the Patriots to an 11-5 record and a 20-17 Super Bowl XXXVI upset over 14-point-favored St. Louis Rams. His rise exemplifies how teams have since turned to low-draft quarterbacks, a pattern echoed in recent roster moves across the league.

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Story summary

The Las Vegas Raiders named veteran Kirk Cousins the Week 1 starter.
Rookie No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza is the backup quarterback.
Coach Klint Kubiak declined to say whether Fernando Mendoza or Aidan O’Connell would replace Kirk Cousins.
GM John Spytek said the Raiders will develop Fernando Mendoza slowly rather than start him.
If Kirk Cousins struggles, Fernando Mendoza is positioned to take over as the next man up.

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