Raiders not quite ready to name starting quarterback

Field Level Media|published: Fri 21st August, 12:07 2026

Jun 9, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko (left) talks with quarterbacks Fernando Mendoza (15) and Kirk Cousins (8) during minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak is in no rush to name a starting quarterback and says the battle between rookie Fernando Mendoza and veteran Kirk Cousins will continue.

"We got another week. I don't want anyone to be comfortable in their job," Kubiak said after Thursday's preseason road win against the Houston Texans. "It should always be that way for all positions. So, let's keep going."

Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 overall draft pick, started the 22-20 victory and threw an 80-yard pick-six in the first quarter. He played the first half and completed 8 of 15 passes for 86 yards.

"Coach Kubiak outlined for the team what the plan was going to be with the starters, essentially for Weeks 1, 2 and 3 of the preseason, [and] to keep it internally," Mendoza said. "That was something I knew going into the game was going to be a great experience as a first start in the NFL preseason, which is always the next step."

Cousins, who turned 38 on Wednesday, did not take any snaps against the Texans after playing just one drive in the preseason opener vs. Arizona on Aug. 13.

Cousins was 5-of-6 passing for 50 yards and a touchdown against the Cardinals, while the 22-year-old Mendoza threw for 97 yards and a TD on 10-of-16 passing.

Las Vegas concludes preseason action at home against the San Francisco 49ers next Thursday and opens the regular season against the visiting Miami Dolphins on Sept. 13.

--Field Level Media

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