Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak has provided clarity on the team's quarterback situation following their 27-14 preseason opening loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday. While rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza delivered an impressive performance in his limited time on the field, completing 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown across four drives, Kubiak maintained that veteran Kirk Cousins remains the favorite to secure the starting role for the 2026 regular season.
Addressing the media after the game, Kubiak emphasized the continuity established during the team's training camp. "Kirk’s been getting the reps with the 1s. I think he’s had a solid training camp, and it’s his job to lose," Kubiak stated. Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowler who joined the Raiders this offseason, also saw action against the Cardinals, completing five of six passes for 50 yards and a touchdown.
The competition between the veteran and the former Heisman Trophy winner remains a focal point for the franchise as they progress through the preseason. The Raiders are now turning their attention to their next challenge, a Week 2 preseason matchup against the Houston Texans. That game is scheduled for Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET, and will be held at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The broadcast is set to be available via ESPN and Prime Video. The Texans enter the contest following a 27-7 loss to the LA Chargers in their own preseason opener, though it remains uncertain if either team will prioritize playing their primary starters in the upcoming game.
