Raiders Coach Kubiak Withholds Starting QB Decision After Preseason Finale

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak refrained from naming a starting quarterback for the upcoming season after the team's final preseason game, which ended in an 18-12 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

In the game, veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins completed 8 of 11 passes for 51 yards, while rookie Fernando Mendoza, the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, completed 7 of 14 passes for 57 yards and threw one interception. Throughout the preseason, Mendoza recorded a total of 240 passing yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.

Kubiak noted that Mendoza requires more game experience, stating that rookies typically need additional preseason games for development. The Raiders' unofficial depth chart lists Cousins as the first-string quarterback, with Mendoza as the backup. The team is set to begin the regular season against the Miami Dolphins on September 13.