Overview
- The Raiders left the Week‑1 starter undecided on Monday after OTAs showed Kirk Cousins taking first‑team reps while rookie Fernando Mendoza worked mostly with the third unit.
- Head coach Klint Kubiak and the quarterbacks coach say Mendoza will be eased into the system and judged on reps in minicamp, training camp and preseason.
- Several analysts have predicted Mendoza could be fast‑tracked into game duty early in the season, but that view remains speculative and not reflected in the club’s official timetable.
- Teammates and former colleagues praised Cousins as a strong mentor who can speed Mendoza’s learning, and the club’s depth with Aidan O'Connell gives Las Vegas flexibility to delay a rookie start.
- The Raiders say they will weigh Mendoza’s practice reps, the team’s win outlook and a difficult midseason road slate when deciding whether to start him early or introduce him later in 2026.