Overview
- The Raiders entered OTAs with Kirk Cousins taking most first‑team reps and functioning as the working Week‑1 starter for now while the team evaluates Fernando Mendoza.
- Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick and Heisman winner from Indiana, has drawn praise for work ethic and positional learning while coaches focus on his under‑center footwork and timing.
- Raiders staff and reporters point to training camp and the second preseason game with a joint practice against Houston as the near‑term decision window for the Week‑1 starter.
- Backup Aidan O’Connell produced standout work in OTAs that analysts say raises his trade or roster value, creating a quarterback logjam the front office must sort before the season.
- Head coach Klint Kubiak has framed a meritocratic timeline that balances protecting Mendoza’s development with short‑term competitiveness, and the club’s November road slate factors into whether the rookie is rushed into action.