Could Fernando Mendoza still be Raiders' Week 1 starter? Klint Kubiak has shifted the goalposts
Yahoo Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- Raiders coach Klint Kubiak initially planned for rookie QB Fernando Mendoza to sit behind veteran Kirk Cousins to learn before starting in the 2026 season, aiming for a gradual transition.
- Despite Mendoza's mixed preseason performance, including a costly interception but also strong completions, Kubiak has not committed to a Week 1 starter and emphasized competition among quarterbacks.
- Recent practices and joint sessions with the Texans saw Mendoza receiving more first-team reps, signaling a possible shift toward an earlier start for the rookie than originally expected.
- The upcoming preseason finale against the 49ers is likely to provide key insights into Kubiak’s decision, with playing time distribution between Cousins and Mendoza potentially revealing who will start the regular season opener.
- Kubiak’s approach suggests he wants to thoroughly evaluate both quarterbacks, keeping the competition open and requiring Cousins to maintain sharpness to retain the starting role.
