Raiders coach says Kirk Cousins remains Week 1 starter despite quarterback competition
Klint Kubiak has not formally announced a starter, but indicated veteran Kirk Cousins will begin the season as the Las Vegas Raiders' quarterback, while rookie Fernando Mendoza continues to receive playing time in preseason games.
Los Angeles (Reuters) – Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak has not officially named a starting quarterback for the opening game against the Miami Dolphins, but reiterated that veteran Kirk Cousins is slated to start. Cousins participated in a single drive during Thursday night’s preseason loss, completing five of six passes and throwing a 13-yard touchdown to Michael Mayer.
Rookie Fernando Mendoza saw the majority of first-team reps in recent practices and played the entire first half of the same game, completing eight of 15 attempts for 86 yards. He also recorded a six-yard touchdown pass to Malik Benson. After the game, Kubiak said the “battle for QB1 remains Kirk Cousins’ to lose,” indicating that the decision has not changed.
Mendoza’s preseason performances have included a 10-of-16, 97-yard, one-touchdown effort against Arizona and a mixed showing against the 49ers, where he threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown. The coaching staff said they will continue to give all three quarterbacks – Cousins, Mendoza and backup Aidan O’Connell – first-team reps as the regular season approaches.
The quarterback competition has drawn attention from fantasy football analysts, who note that keeping Mendoza on the bench could affect super-flex league values. Both Cousins and teammate wide receiver Jalen Nailor were involved in a heated exchange with defensive end Cameron Crosby during practice, but the incident was resolved without further incident.
"The battle for QB1 remains Kirk Cousins’ to lose," Kubiak said after Thursday’s game.
The Raiders will play their final preseason matchup against the San Francisco 49ers next week before opening the regular season.