Raiders QB Race Continues: Kubiak Demands More, Keeps Decision Under Wraps
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak has declared the team's starting quarterback competition remains open, stating a decision will come after the final preseason game. Veteran Kirk Cousins and rookie Fernando Mendoza are the primary contenders.
The short version
- Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak stated on August 21, 2026, that the starting quarterback job remains undecided, emphasizing, "We've got another week."
- Kirk Cousins, who completed five of six passes for 50 yards and a touchdown in his preseason debut, is widely reported by outlets like FOX Sports Radio to be in the lead, with Kubiak indicating it's "his job to lose."
- Rookie Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, has completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown but reportedly struggled in a recent game against the Houston Texans.
- The Raiders will play their final preseason game on Thursday, August 27, 2026, against the San Francisco 49ers, after which a decision on the Week 1 starter is expected.
- Kubiak, in his first season as head coach, had initially named Kirk Cousins the starting quarterback heading into training camp, but stressed that Mendoza and Aidan O'Connell would push him.
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak is keeping his quarterback competition wide open, declaring, "We've got another week" before naming a starter for the regular season. This statement, reported by NBC Sports and FOX Sports Radio on August 21, 2026, signals that veteran Kirk Cousins and No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza still have a chance to impress in the team's final preseason outing.
Kubiak's firm stance underscores his desire for continuous competition across the roster. "I don't want anyone to be comfortable in their job," Kubiak said, adding, "It should always be that way for all positions. So, let's keep going forward."
Who Is Competing for the Raiders' Starting QB Job?
The primary contenders for the Las Vegas Raiders' starting quarterback position are veteran Kirk Cousins and rookie Fernando Mendoza. Aidan O'Connell is also listed on the depth chart. Cousins joined the Raiders after stints with the Commanders, Vikings, and Falcons, while Mendoza was the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Heading into training camp on July 28, 2026, Kubiak had initially named Cousins the starter, stating, "He's the guy, and he deserves it because he's played really good football," but emphasized, "I want Fernando [Mendoza] and Aidan [O'Connell] to push him."
How Have the Quarterbacks Performed in Preseason?
Kirk Cousins has shown efficiency in his limited preseason action, completing five of six passes for 50 yards and a touchdown in his debut. Meanwhile, Fernando Mendoza completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown overall in preseason play. However, Mendoza reportedly "struggled" in the recent Thursday night preseason game against the Houston Texans, a game where Cousins sat out and the Raiders secured a 22-20 victory.
Despite Kubiak's public commitment to competition, several reports suggest that Kirk Cousins holds a significant lead. FOX Sports Radio indicated that Kubiak has "indicated that Cousins is in the lead," and it is "his job to lose." Unofficial depth charts released ahead of preseason games on August 10 and August 17 both listed Cousins as QB1, followed by Mendoza as QB2, and O'Connell as QB3.
What's Next for the Raiders' Quarterback Decision?
The Raiders have one final preseason game remaining, scheduled for Thursday, August 27, 2026, against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. This game, set for 5:00 PM PT, is the last opportunity for Cousins, Mendoza, and O'Connell to make their case before Kubiak's decision. While one Facebook snippet from August 21, 2026, incorrectly mentioned a final preseason game against the Cowboys, comprehensive schedules confirm the 49ers as the opponent.
Kubiak's "another week" comment implies that the official announcement of the Week 1 starter will likely come after this game. The Raiders will open their regular season on Sunday, September 13, 2026, against the Miami Dolphins, at which point their starting quarterback will be solidified.
Frequently asked questions
When will the Las Vegas Raiders name their starting quarterback for the regular season?
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak indicated that the decision on the starting quarterback is expected after the team's final preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
Who are the primary candidates for the Raiders' starting QB role?
The main contenders for the starting quarterback position are veteran Kirk Cousins and rookie Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Aidan O'Connell is also on the depth chart.
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