Raiders Name Kirk Cousins Starting Quarterback for Week 1

The Raiders announced that veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins will start the season in Week 1, passing rookie Fernando Mendoza to the backup role. The decision, made before the first game, signals the team’s preference for experienced leadership at the helm. While the move does not detail the coaching strategy, it suggests that the Raiders will rely on Cousins’ proven playmaking to guide the offense early in the campaign. The choice also leaves Mendoza in a developmental position, likely to see limited action as the team evaluates his readiness for future games.