The Las Vegas Raiders have officially named Kirk Cousins their starting quarterback for Week 1, head coach Klint Kubiak announced Wednesday. Cousins will open the regular season against the Miami Dolphins in Las Vegas.
Cousins earned the nod after camp and preseason work
Cousins moved atop the depth chart after a steady offseason and preseason. Kubiak said simply, "Kirk's had a really good offseason, very good camp and he's earned it."
Kirk Cousins has been named the Raiders' Week 1 starting quarterback, a decision that ended the team's quarterback competition.
What the decision means for Fernando Mendoza and the roster
Head coach Klint Kubiak chose Cousins to start the opener, putting him ahead of first-overall pick Fernando Mendoza on the depth chart; Mendoza had a suboptimal preseason debut.
The Raiders opted to begin the season with an experienced veteran, naming Cousins the Week 1 starter ahead of No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza; Cousins will handle immediate on-field responsibilities while Mendoza remains behind him on the depth chart.
The move closes a competitive evaluation that included the rookie and veteran candidates. Kubiak made the announcement after morning practice in Henderson, signaling the team is ready to move forward with a defined starter entering Week 1 preparations.
For Las Vegas, the choice balances an investment in a veteran quarterback with a stewardship plan for its top draft asset. Cousins’ presence gives the Raiders an experienced passer to manage the offense from the outset, while Mendoza — listed as the backup in confirmed reports — will be afforded a transition period under team supervision.
With the opener against the Miami Dolphins set, the Raiders will begin the regular season under Cousins’ direction, and the club’s handling of Mendoza will be among the roster storylines to monitor as the season unfolds.
