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Raiders QB Battle Heats Up: No Starter Named Yet

PUBLISHED Aug 21, 2026, 4:38 PM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 24

Center 92%

Right 8%

Sources: 24

Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak has not named a Week 1 quarterback after Thursday's 22-20 preseason victory over the Houston Texans. Kubiak said Friday the competition between veteran Kirk Cousins and rookie Fernando Mendoza will continue through the final preseason week. Mendoza, the 2026 Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 overall draft pick, started against Houston and played the half, completing 8 of 15 passes for 86 yards. His third pass was intercepted by linebacker Wade Woodaz and returned 80 yards for a touchdown. Cousins did not play after starting one series in the preseason opener against Arizona, completing 5 of 6 passes for 50 yards and a touchdown. Mendoza completed 10 of 16 for 97 yards and a touchdown against Arizona. Kubiak entered training camp with Cousins as the first-team quarterback. The Raiders face San Francisco on Aug. 27 before opening the season against Miami on Sept. 13.

By Emily Rhodes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On April 6, 2026, Raiders signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins.
On April 23, 2026, Raiders selected Fernando Mendoza first overall.
On June 29, 2026, Raiders highlighted Cousins, Mendoza, O’Connell competition entering camp.
On July 28, 2026, Kubiak named Cousins training-camp starting quarterback.
On July 29, 2026, Mendoza impressed during second-team training-camp repetitions.
On August 13, 2026, Cousins opened preseason against Arizona successfully.
On August 13, 2026, Mendoza completed 10-of-16 passes, including touchdown.
On August 20, 2026, Mendoza started against Houston in preseason.
On August 20, 2026, Mendoza threw an 80-yard interception-return touchdown.
On August 20, 2026, Raiders completed comeback, defeating Texans 22-20.
On August 21, 2026, Kubiak again declined naming Week-One starter.
On August 27, 2026, Raiders face 49ers in preseason finale.
On September 13, 2026, Raiders open season against Miami Dolphins.
Future scenario: Cousins likely starts Week One if coaches prioritize veteran readiness.
Future scenario: Mendoza could become starter later if development accelerates during season.
Future scenario: Final preseason usage may clarify whether competition remains genuinely open.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Raiders’ quarterback uncertainty keeps preseason attention focused on Week One.
Possible long-term US impact: Decision could shape Mendoza’s development and Raiders’ quarterback succession planning.
Most affected groups: Raiders players, coaches, fans, quarterback room, and Las Vegas community.
Reader priority: Readers should prioritize official statements, game evidence, and independently reported developments.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 24
Right Leaning:: 2
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 22

Explain Framing

Left: Coverage emphasized development, competition, patience, and rookie quarterback growth. Center: Coverage emphasized Kubiak’s decision, verified statistics, timing, and remaining preseason. Right: Coverage emphasized veteran Cousins’ advantage and questioned Mendoza’s readiness for starting.