Las Vegas Raiders Name Kirk Cousins Starting QB over Fernando Mendoza for Week 1
Klint Kubiak said the veteran won the job after a strong offseason, and rookie Fernando Mendoza will open the year as the backup.
- On Wednesday, Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak officially named veteran Kirk Cousins the team's starting quarterback for Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins.
- Concluding a high-profile training camp competition, the team chose Cousins over rookie Fernando Mendoza, whom leadership prioritized developing before rushing into action.
- Mendoza will serve as backup quarterback with Aidan O'Connell also on the roster, mirroring Baker Mayfield's 2018 rookie season with the Cleveland Browns when he didn't start Week 1.
- Kubiak outlined a rigorous development plan for Mendoza, stating "there's always early work, late work, more meetings, plenty of time on the field between drills with Coach Sullivan and Coach Janocko."
- The Raiders open the 2026 NFL season on Sept. 13 before facing division rival Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2 at SoFi Stadium, marking the first major test under center for Cousins.
26 Articles
26 Articles
Klint Kubiak selects Kirk Cousins as Raiders starting QB for opener ag
HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Kirk Cousins , as expected, will be the Raiders ‘ starting quarterback when Las Vegas opens its season at home Sept. 13 against Miami, coach Klint Kubiak announced Wednesday. Cousins ran the first-team
The Standard-Journal
Klint Kubiak selects Kirk Cousins as Raiders starting QB for opener against Miami
Kirk Cousins, as expected, will be the Raiders’ starting quarterback when Las Vegas opens its season at home Sept. 13 against Miami, coach Klint Kubiak announced Wednesday. Cousins ran the first-team offense nearly the entire preseason with rookie and No.…
Raiders name Kirk Cousins as Week 1 starting quarterback, Fernando Mendoza will begin career as backup
Mendoza-Mania will not be coming to Las Vegas just yet.Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak announced Wednesday that the team is naming Kirk Cousins its Week 1 starting quarterback against the Miami Dolphins, meaning Fernando Mendoza will begin his career as a backup."(Cousins has) played really good football, I’m really happy with all three of (the) quarterbacks. Kirk’s had a really good offseason, very good camp, and he’s earned it," Kubi…
Raiders name Kirk Cousins starting QB, but how long will that last?
The Raiders removed whatever suspense remained from their quarterback competition Wednesday when coach Klint Kubiak named Kirk Cousins the starter for their season opener against the Miami Dolphins. The decision had seemed inevitable throughout training camp. Cousins received the majority of the first-team work and looked more comfortable and efficient than rookie Fernando Mendoza during...
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 54% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
