Raiders Coach Klint Kubiak Still Undecided on Starting Quarterback

The preseason finale against the San Francisco 49ers brought the exhibition slate to a close for the Raiders, yet the franchise’s most high-profile roster decision remains unresolved. Both signal-callers saw action in the finale, but Kubiak held off on making a definitive choice between the experienced veteran and the first overall draft pick. All signs point to Kirk Cousins winning the starting quarterback job, though Kubiak is taking his time to publicly unveil his plan.

Klint Kubiak Defends Preseason Evaluation and Rookie Reps

With the regular season rapidly approaching, Kubiak maintained that transparency over starting assignments yields no competitive advantage for his roster. I just don’t think it ever benefits a player to know they have a spot secured, the rookie head coach explained when asked about the ongoing competition.

Klint Kubiak still doesn't name a starting quarterback for

Mendoza concluded his first NFL preseason with another uneven outing against San Francisco, logging his minutes once again without recording a snap with the first-string offensive linemen. Addressing how the rookie will continue his development if regular practice repetitions decrease during the regular season, Kubiak noted that the coaching staff relies on extra hours in the facility.

It’s a great point, Kubiak said. “We have experience as coaches on developing guys when they’re not starting a game. It’s staying early, leaving late. It’s using some technological tools at your disposal. But it’s really a lot of (quarterbacks coach Mike) Sullivan spending a lot of early morning and long nights with Fernando and Aidan [O’Connell]. … There’s things you can do. It’s never as good as getting all the reps in practice, but you do the best you can with what you’ve got.”

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To Mendoza’s credit, Kubiak praised the rookie for how prepared he has made himself during his first camp and preseason. Such preparation was evident in Las Vegas’ preseason opener when a decisive Mendoza led a 10-play, 79-yard touchdown drive that ended with a quick-fire pass to Jack Bech for the score. Even so, the head coach emphasized that the rookie still requires extensive developmental work.

He needs another three preseason games, Kubiak said. You know, all those rookies do. And now that the season’s starting, you know, the practice reps get smaller, and that’s just life. But, us as coaches, we gotta get them ready to play, keep developing them. Later, Kubiak said regarding Mendoza, We got him plenty of time, and I’m happy where he’s at, but we just got to keep pushing him to be better.

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Raiders' Kirk Cousins isn't bothered by Klint Kubiak refusing

Kirk Cousins Remains Unfazed by the Uncertainty

While the open competition dominates discussion across Las Vegas, the incumbent starter is taking the delay in stride. Cousins opened training camp as the Raiders’ starting QB and has been listed as No. 1 on the depth chart throughout camp and exhibition season. He nearly threw an interception to Jack Jones on his first pass of the game against San Francisco, finishing the night completing 8-of-11 passes for 51 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions in the team’s 18-12 preseason loss. Cousins didn’t dress Thursday night in Houston and appears set to roll with the first team to begin the season, providing Kubiak with the veteran leadership he’s wanted to run the offense to begin 2026.

Speaking to reporters after the game, per ESPN’s Ryan McFadden, the four-time Pro Bowler expressed indifference toward the coach’s timeline.

It's up to coach, the four-time Pro Bowler said, per ESPN’s Ryan McFadden, after completing 8-of-11 passes for 51 yards in the Raiders’ 18-12 preseason loss versus the San Francisco 49ers. You do the best you can with the opportunities that you are given. …Naming something one day could change the next day. You just go about your business each day, methodically, and let the chips fall where they may.

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Raiders' Kirk Cousins

Mendoza also experienced a learning moment during Thursday’s action, throwing an interception into traffic that he will know better than to force next time, though luckily the play did not count toward the Raiders’ record.

Roster Cuts and Preparation for Miami

As the coaching staff transitions from exhibition evaluations to regular-season game planning, Kubiak and other figures like rookie running back Washington and first-time offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko navigate the growing pains of a process that is far from complete.

With only 17 days remaining before the regular-season opener at Miami, the organization must soon finalize whether the veteran leadership of the 38-year-old Cousins—who has the track record and instincts to help Las Vegas clinch a victory in its season opener—or the long-term upside of Mendoza takes the field for Week 1.