Raiders QB Battle Heats Up: No Starter Named Yet

PUBLISHED Aug 21, 2026, 4:38 PM ET

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

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.