Raiders bench Fernando Mendoza
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Raiders named Kirk Cousins starting QB over No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza for Week 1.
Mendoza, a Heisman winner, begins on bench, snapping six straight No. 1 QBs starting.
Background
The Las Vegas Raiders selected quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after he won the Heisman Trophy and a national championship at Indiana. Despite high expectations, the Raiders announced on September 2, 2026, that 38-year-old Kirk Cousins would start the season opener against the Miami Dolphins on September 13. Coach Klint Kubiak cited Cousins' solid preseason performance and concerns about protecting Mendoza behind an uncertain offensive line.
How it unfolded
- 2026 NFL DraftRaiders selected Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick.
- Sep 2, 2026Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak announced Kirk Cousins as starting QB for Week 1, with Mendoza as backup.
- Sep 3, 2026Reports noted this decision snaps a streak of six straight No. 1 overall QBs starting in Week 1.
- Sep 5, 2026Raiders mailbag discussed when Mendoza might start and the team's potential record.
- Sep 8, 2026Legendary agent Leigh Steinberg advised Mendoza to look at other QBs who began on the bench.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Coach Kubiak and GM Spytek say Mendoza's time is coming but he must earn it daily.
- Analysts
- Some analysts warn against keeping Mendoza benched, noting the risk of stunting his development.
- Expert
- Agent Leigh Steinberg points to successful QBs like Jared Goff who started on the bench.
- Caution
- Fans and media question whether sitting Mendoza protects him or just delays the inevitable.
Still unverified
Reports suggest this was the Raiders' plan all along, but no official confirmation.