Overview
- The Las Vegas Raiders submitted their initial 53‑man roster on Sunday and included three quarterbacks: Kirk Cousins, rookie Fernando Mendoza, and veteran Aidan O’Connell.
- Head coach Klint Kubiak said the team has “three guys that are ready to play” and that a formal QB1/QB2 ranking is still under discussion, so the Week 1 starter has not been publicly finalized.
- Raiders officials placed third‑round rookie defensive end Keyron Crawford on season‑ending injured reserve while choosing not to put running back Ashton Jeanty on IR, signaling the team expects Jeanty to return within four games.
- Mendoza’s preseason showed turnovers and several sacks, whereas O’Connell posted fewer mistakes and has prior starting experience, factors that explain the club’s cautious approach to naming a backup order.
- Under NFL cutdown rules the 53‑man filing starts a 24‑hour waiver window and practice‑squad construction, so Las Vegas — holding top waiver priority — can still adjust the roster through claims, signings, or promotions in the next day or two.