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NFL·BREAKING·October 26, 2026 03:56 PM ET

Klint Kubiak keeps Kirk Cousins as Raiders starter

Fernando Mendoza will play eventually, just not this week.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 49m1 min read
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Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak came to the podium and before anyone could ask him, said that Kirk Cousins is the team's Via @JamesPalmerTV on X

What happened: Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak opened his Monday press conference by stating unprompted that Kirk Cousins remains the team's starting quarterback. Kubiak praised Cousins for playing at a very high level and declared there is no controversy at the position. While confirming that backup Fernando Mendoza will take the field at some point, Kubiak ruled out making a quarterback change this week.

Why it matters: The public backing follows Sunday's 35-21 loss to the Los Angeles Rams and puts an immediate halt to outside speculation about a midseason transition under center. Cousins beat out backup Fernando Mendoza in training camp to secure the opening-day job, and the coaching staff is sticking with the veteran while acknowledging a longer-term plan for Mendoza to see live action.

What to watch: Cousins will lead the Raiders into Sunday's road game against the New York Jets while Mendoza remains in reserve awaiting his opportunity later in the regular season.

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