Overview
- ESPN writer Dan Graziano wrote that Mendoza likely will not start before November, a view widely reported this week and framed as part of a deliberate Raiders timeline.
- The Raiders have run a staged development plan in OTAs and minicamp that put Cousins with most first‑team reps while Mendoza worked on under‑center mechanics with second and third units.
- Coach Klint Kubiak has publicly praised Aidan O’Connell and said all three quarterbacks are competing, which keeps O’Connell available as an emergency starter or short‑term option if Cousins is unavailable.
- Sources pointing to a delayed Mendoza debut cite clear roster needs at wide receiver and other positions that the club believes must be addressed before placing a rookie franchise QB into live games.
- The decisive moments for any change remain pads‑on training camp and preseason game reps and any in‑season roster moves or injury to Cousins that would force the Raiders to accelerate Mendoza’s timeline.