Las Vegas – Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak emphasized that the decision on the team’s starting quarterback will not be rushed after the club’s preseason road victory against the Houston Texans on Thursday. Kubiak said the competition between rookie first‑overall pick Fernando Mendoza and veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins will continue through the upcoming weeks, noting that no player should become complacent in his role.
Preseason performance highlights
Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner, started the 22‑20 win and threw an 80‑yard interception return for a touchdown in the first quarter. He completed eight of 15 passes for 86 yards before being substituted at halftime. The young quarterback described the experience as a valuable first start in the NFL preseason, saying Coach Kubiak had outlined a clear plan for the first three weeks of preseason action.
Cousins, who turned 38 on Wednesday, did not see any playing time against the Texans after a single‑drive appearance in the preseason opener versus Arizona on Aug. 13. In that earlier outing, Cousins completed five of six passes for 50 yards and a touchdown.
Looking ahead
The Raiders will finish their preseason schedule at home against the San Francisco 49ers next Thursday. The regular season begins on Sept. 13 when Las Vegas hosts the Miami Dolphins. Both quarterbacks remain in the mix as the coaching staff evaluates performance, health, and readiness for the regular‑season campaign.
While the competition continues, Kubiak reiterated his philosophy that all positions should be contested and that players must earn their roles each week. “We got another week. I don’t want anyone to be comfortable in their job,” he said. “It should always be that way for all positions. So, let’s keep going.”
Fans of the Raiders will be watching closely as the preseason unfolds, hoping the quarterback battle will produce a clear starter who can lead the team through a challenging schedule. The outcome will likely shape the offensive identity of the franchise for the 2026 season.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
