Las Vegas Raiders first-year head coach Klint Kubiak didn't rule out replacing veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins with rookie signal-caller Fernando Mendoza following the team's Week 7 loss versus the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. While Mendoza could eventually get his shot as the starter this season, Cousins has been playing well, despite the Raiders' four-game losing streak. Kubiak declared Monday that the 38-year-old four-time Pro Bowler will remain QB1 in Week 8 when Las Vegas plays the New York Jets on the road.
The former Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator added that the 2026 No. 1 overall pick will "eventually" be under center, but it won't be against the Jets. Mendoza made his NFL debut during the fourth quarter of the Raiders' blowout loss against the New England Patriots in Week 5, going 6-for-8 with 48 passing yards on his lone drive, which ended in a turnover on downs. Cousins was back as the starter in Week 6 and nearly led Las Vegas to an upset win against the Buffalo Bills.
The 15th-year pro has recorded a 62.6% completion percentage with 1,877 passing yards, a league-leading 16 touchdowns and five interceptions in seven games this year, good for a 97.4 passer rating. Cousins has been particularly good in the last five games (despite the four defeats), posting 10 touchdown passes and just two interceptions. The Michigan State product also ranks third in the NFL in passing yards.
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