Fernando Mendoza-Kirk Cousins QB1 Battle Addressed by Raiders HC Kubiak After Rookie's Struggles

Despite an inconsistent outing by Fernando Mendoza in Thursday's preseason finale against the San Francisco 49ers, Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak is still not ready to reveal who their starting quarterback will be in Week 1.

Speaking to reporters after the Raiders' 18-12 loss, Kubiak said the coaching staff will review the tape before making any final decisions between Mendoza and Kirk Cousins.

"I still don't think we need to name anybody," Kubiak said. "We have a lot to talk about at a lot of positions, so we want to watch the film and talk about everything as a staff."

Cousins started two of the Raiders' three preseason contests, including Thursday night. He didn't play in the Aug. 20 matchup against the Houston Texans.

In his two outings against the 49ers and Arizona Cardinals, Cousins went 13-of-17 for 101 yards, one touchdown, no interceptions and he wasn't sacked. He led the offense to two field goals on his two drives versus the San Francisco defense.

Mendoza went 7-of-14 for 57 yards with no touchdowns and one interception in five drives. The No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft finished the preseason 25-of-45 for 240 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions. He was sacked four times.

Kubiak insisted at the start of training camp that Cousins was in line to be their starter. He has been listed as QB1 on the depth chart throughout the entire preseason.

Mendoza's strong preseason debut in which he became the first top overall draft pick to throw a touchdown pass in his first game since Baker Mayfield in 2018 seemed to open the door for a competition.

Cousins starting two of the three preseason games would seem to indicate he remains the frontrunner to start in Week 1, but the Raiders do have to be mindful of Mendoza's development since it is more difficult to get consistent reps in practice during the regular season if you aren't the starter.

Kubiak and his staff still have two weeks before the regular season begins, giving them a window to keep evaluating the situation. The Raiders will host the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium in Week 1 on Sept. 13.