Overview
- Reports Saturday from multiple outlets say the Raiders plan to name 38-year-old Kirk Cousins their Week 1 starter over No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza.
- Coach Klint Kubiak has kept the decision coach-driven but said Mendoza "needs another three preseason games," signaling a deliberate, development-first timetable for the rookie.
- Mendoza’s preseason tape showed flashes and turnovers as he completed roughly half his passes, took frequent hits and sacks, and threw multiple interceptions, which has driven internal caution.
- Aidan O’Connell is being seriously considered for the No. 2 role and could be placed ahead of Mendoza on the depth chart to limit Mendoza’s early-game exposure.
- The move gives the Raiders short-term stability while preserving Mendoza’s long-term upside and means fans should watch practice reps, protection improvements and any in-season plan to ease Mendoza into game duty.