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Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak is holding off on naming a starting quarterback for Week 1, despite a noticeable gap between the competitors. Kubiak emphasized the importance of maintaining competition across all positions after the team's recent preseason game against the Houston Texans.
Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins appears to be leading the race for the starting role. The 38-year-old, who joined the Raiders after stints with the Washington Commanders, Minnesota Vikings, and Atlanta Falcons, has shown consistency in training camp. Cousins completed five of six passes for 50 yards and a touchdown in his preseason debut with the Raiders.
Meanwhile, rookie Fernando Mendoza, the team's first overall draft pick, is also in contention. Mendoza completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown during the preseason, showcasing potential despite some struggles. Kubiak acknowledged Mendoza's performance, stating, "I saw an ascending player who’s got to keep getting better," according to Yahoo Sports.
Kubiak has yet to officially announce the starting quarterback, but he has indicated that Cousins is in the lead. "It's his job to lose," Kubiak said, as reported by Pro Football Rumors. The decision comes as the Raiders prepare for their regular season opener against the Miami Dolphins on September 13.
The Raiders will continue to evaluate both quarterbacks during their remaining preseason games, with the next matchup against the San Francisco 49ers on August 27. The team aims to ensure the best fit for their offensive strategy as they head into the 2026 season.