Raiders name Kirk Cousins starting QB for Week 1 vs. Dolphins

Adam Hill, Las Vegas Review-Journal on Sep 2, 2026

Published in Football

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LAS VEGAS — The Las Vegas Raiders have officially decided on a starting quarterback.

Coach Klint Kubiak opened his Wednesday news conference by announcing Kirk Cousins would be the Week 1 starter, as expected.

“Kirk’s going to be the starting quarterback,” Kubiak said. “He’s played really good football. I’m really happy with all three of our quarterbacks, and Kirk’s had a really good offseason and a very good camp. He’s earned it.”

Cousins took a planned rest day from practice on Wednesday. He was not present for the majority of the media viewing period but did walk onto the field to watch his teammates as the media departed.

He was wearing a jersey but was not in pads.

Cousins was able to hold off top pick Fernando Mendoza in a camp competition, though Kubiak said from the beginning it was Cousins’ job to lose.

“You just do the best you can with the opportunities you’re given, lead as well as you can, compete, and you’re never a finished product,” Cousins said last week after the preseason finale on the ongoing competition. “Naming something one day can change the next day. So you just go about your business each day methodically and let the chips fall.”

The plan all along was for Mendoza to serve an apprenticeship under Cousins and learn from the veteran, even though the last six quarterbacks selected No. 1 overall in the NFL draft had started on opening day.

Kubiak would not disclose whether he foresees Cousins keeping the job all year or if there is a plan to have Mendoza eventually take over.

”We’re to Miami first,” Kubiak said.

Also, running back Mike Washington Jr. was in a new jersey as he has switched to No. 4. Kicker Matt Gay, who had switched to No. 4 earlier this week, was back to No. 14.

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