Raiders coach Klint Kubiak named Kirk Cousins as the Week 1 starter, ahead of No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. The decision breaks a six-year streak in which quarterbacks drafted No. 1 overall had started Week 1.
WHO:Klint Kubiak
WHAT:Named Kirk Cousins the Week 1 starting quarterback over No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza
WHEN:Reported Aug 31, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET
WHERE:USA
WHY:The Raiders made a Week 1 quarterback starter decision.
Reporting from 2 identified publishers across this event arc.
