The Las Vegas Raiders have formally named veteran Kirk Cousins as their beginning quarterback for Week 1 of the NFL season, confirming that 2026 No. 1 overall decide Fernando Mendoza will open his rookie season on the sidelines because the backup.
Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak confirmed the decision forward of the crew’s regular-season opener at house towards the Miami Dolphins on 13 September 13.
“Kirk’s going to be the beginning quarterback,” Kubiak introduced. “He performed actually good soccer. I’m actually proud of all three of our quarterbacks. Kirk’s had a very good low season, an excellent camp and he’s earned it.”
Cousins, 38, brings a wealth of expertise to the Raiders with greater than a decade of beginning expertise throughout stints with Washington, the Minnesota Vikings, and the Atlanta Falcons.
Cousins signed with the Raiders in April after two seasons in Atlanta, the place he threw for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions in 10 appearances in 2025.
Throughout the preseason, Cousins solidified his grip on the job by finishing 76.4 % of his passes (13 of 17) for 101 yards and a landing throughout two exhibition begins.
Behind him sits Mendoza, whom Las Vegas chosen first general within the 2026 NFL Draft after a historic faculty marketing campaign with Indiana, successful the Heisman Trophy and main the Hoosiers to a Faculty Soccer Playoff nationwide championship.
“Mendoza’s time is coming, however he’s acquired to earn it day by day, and he is aware of that,” mentioned Raiders basic supervisor John Spytek.
“I feel we’re all more than happy with the individual and his work ethic and his dedication to being an amazing quarterback.”
