Overview
- Las Vegas finalized a 53-man roster that keeps three quarterbacks — Kirk Cousins, Fernando Mendoza, and Aidan O’Connell — with the organization expecting Cousins to open the season as the Week 1 starter.
- General manager John Spytek said Mendoza “has to earn” the job and praised his work ethic, framing the rookie as the franchise’s long-term answer who will be eased into playing time.
- Mendoza posted mixed preseason numbers, about 5.3 yards per attempt and a 55.6 percent completion rate in limited action, which contributed to the decision to protect him from early regular-season exposure.
- ESPN’s Adam Schefter relayed an anonymous tip that Mendoza “will start sooner than you think,” a report presented as unconfirmed that adds media-driven pressure that could change the timeline if on-field results demand it.
- Keeping Cousins as a bridge preserves a learning window for Mendoza and gives the Raiders veteran game management, while retaining O’Connell provides internal insurance and limits the need to trade backup assets during roster cuts.