Raiders Name Kirk Cousins Week 1 Starter as Rookie Fernando Mendoza Opens 2026 as Backup
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 2
Raiders Name Kirk Cousins Week 1 Starter as Rookie Fernando Mendoza Opens 2026 as Backup
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 2
Summary
Klint Kubiak said Wednesday that Kirk Cousins will start the Raiders' Week 1 opener against Miami, with rookie Fernando Mendoza beginning his NFL career on the bench.
Cousins won the job after what Kubiak called a strong offseason and training camp, while Las Vegas stuck to a veteran-first development plan backed by GM John Spytek and minority owner Tom Brady.
Spytek said Mendoza has matched the traits the Raiders saw in the draft process, but added that his chance will come only after he keeps earning it daily.
Cousins joined on a 2-year deal after leaving Atlanta and brings familiarity with Kubiak from Minnesota, plus 44,700 career passing yards and 298 touchdowns into the opener.