Overview
- Klint Kubiak officially announced on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, that veteran Kirk Cousins will start the Raiders’ Week 1 game against the Miami Dolphins and Mendoza will open the season as his backup.
- Coaches credited Cousins’ strong camp and efficient preseason reps for the decision while Mendoza’s preseason play included mixed results—roughly 240 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions across appearances.
- The Raiders framed the move as a patient development strategy to protect Mendoza from early pressure as the team evaluates its offensive line and young receiver group.
- Reports say internal voices, including part-owner Tom Brady and other executives, favored a veteran-first approach, and there is early uncertainty about whether Aidan O’Connell will be the active backup ahead of Mendoza.
- The team left Mendoza’s timeline flexible and will revisit the plan based on Cousins’ performance, injuries, or Mendoza’s progress with some analysts suggesting a possible switch later in the season after the Week 13 bye.