Raiders Coach Refuses to Name Starting Quarterback Following Preseason Finale

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak declined to announce a starting quarterback following the team’s 18-12 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in their preseason finale on Thursday, keeping the decision private as the team prepares for the regular season.

The announcement extended Kubiak’s silence on the position battle to three consecutive weeks. Speaking to reporters after the game at Allegiant Stadium, the first-year head coach emphasized that the coaching staff intended to review game footage across all positions before finalizing roster decisions. “I still don’t think we need to name anybody,” Kubiak said during his post-game press conference.

The competition centers on veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins and rookie Fernando Mendoza, who was selected first overall in the recent National Football League draft. Although Kubiak refused to confirm his selection, the deployment of players during Thursday’s exhibition pointed toward Cousins retaining the primary role for the team’s regular-season opener against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 13.

Cousins made his second start of the exhibition period after sitting out the previous game against the Houston Texans. He directed two offensive series alongside expected regular-season starters, both culminating in field goals by kicker Matt Gay. Cousins completed eight of 11 pass attempts for 51 yards, finishing with an 82 passer rating. Over his two preseason appearances, the veteran completed 13 of 17 passes for 101 yards and one touchdown. Asked about the head coach’s delay in making a formal announcement, Cousins remarked that “naming something one day could change the next,” adding that he focuses on daily preparation while leaving decisions to team leadership.

Mendoza entered the game late in the first quarter, operating alongside several first-string players. On his second play, a pass directed over the middle to wide receiver Jalen Nailor deflected off the receiver’s hands and was intercepted by San Francisco linebacker Tatum Bethune. Kubiak noted after the game that Nailor should have secured the catch.

The turnover was Mendoza’s second interception of the preseason. Facing heavy pass pressure from San Francisco’s defense, the rookie was sacked twice and pressured six times. He completed seven of 14 pass attempts for 57 yards, recording a 31 passer rating. Mendoza expressed confidence in his progress, observing that “pressure makes diamonds.” Kubiak acknowledged the rookie’s need for further experience, stating that “he needs another three preseason games” while noting that practice reps naturally diminish during the regular season.

Background

In American football, the NFL preseason consists of exhibition games held before the official regular season, allowing teams to evaluate players and finalize their starting rosters. The quarterback is widely considered the most critical position on the field, directing the team’s offensive plays. Securing the top overall pick in the annual NFL draft gives a franchise first choice among eligible college players, often creating high expectations for immediate playing time for top-selected quarterbacks.