New Raiders Rumors on Kirk Cousins' Hot Seat as QB1 After Fernando Mendoza's Debut vs. Patriots

While Fernando Mendoza got his first NFL snaps in a Week 5 loss to the New England Patriots, don't expect to see the rookie assume the starting quarterback job imminently.

ESPN's Dan Graziano reported Wednesday that "Kirk Cousins is in no danger of being benched any time soon."

"The Raiders were happy to get Mendoza's feet wet, but they remain in no hurry to make him their starter, especially sitting at 3-2 themselves," the NFL insider said.

Getting blown out by New England at least afforded the opportunity to hand Mendoza his debut. He entered with Las Vegas trailing 45-17 and went 6-of-8 for 48 yards.

▶️ Full Raiders-Patriots Recap

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The cameo wasn't all that revealing. The No. 1 overall pick only got one drive, which ended in a turnover on downs, and he was mostly fine without turning any heads.

More than anything, the QB change was a reminder that Mendoza is waiting in the wings.

The Raiders aren't going to bench Cousins as long as they're winning, and his numbers have been pretty strong. He has thrown for 1,269 yards, 12 touchdowns and four interceptions. His 64.8 QBR ranks 12th among qualified passers, per ESPN.com.

Las Vegas has dropped two games in a row, though, and a difficult stretch lies ahead. Five of its next seven games prior to a Week 13 bye come against playoff teams from a season ago.

Should the Raiders start to fall out of the AFC playoff race, they'll have less reason to stick with a stopgap solution at quarterback.