Raiders coach Kubiak undecided on Week 1 starting quarterback between Kirk Cousins and rookie Fernando Mendoza

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak said on Thursday that the team still has another week to evaluate its quarterback options and has not yet decided who will start the season opener. The uncertainty follows a preseason in which veteran Kirk Cousins started the first game and received limited snaps, while rookie Fernando Mendoza saw more playing time, including a notable 31-snap effort against the Arizona Cardinals and 26 snaps against the Houston Texans.

Kubiak previously expressed a preference for Cousins to begin the season, noting the veteran’s experience and recent performance in practice. He added that he wants both Mendoza and backup Aidan O’Connell to push Cousins during drills. However, after Mendoza’s mixed showing against Houston, the coach emphasized that no player should become complacent.

The upcoming preseason finale against the San Francisco 49ers could provide further clues. If Cousins receives only a few snaps while Mendoza continues to get extensive reps, it may signal a shift toward the rookie. Conversely, a limited role for Mendoza could reaffirm the original plan of starting Cousins against the Miami Dolphins.

Kubiak indicated that the decision will be based on continued evaluation during practice and the final preseason game, leaving the Week 1 starter undecided for now.