Has Fernando Mendoza done enough to challenge Kirk Cousins for the starting job with the Raiders?

The Las Vegas Raiders may not have officially named their Week 1 starting quarterback, but head coach Klint Kubiak's latest comments suggest the competition is not over yet. And that could be welcome news for Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick who continues to gain valuable experience during his first NFL preseason.

While veteran Kirk Cousins remains the favorite to open the regular season under center when the Raiders host the Miami Dolphins on September 13, Kubiak once again declined to announce a starter following Las Vegas' preseason matchup against the Houston Texans.

His refusal to make a decision public has fueled speculation that Mendoza still has a legitimate chance to earn the job before Week 1. Fernando's second preseason appearance was far from perfect, but it may have provided exactly the type of experience the Raiders believe their young quarterback needs.

Mendoza needs to continue improving

After an impressive debut in which he looked poised and confident, Mendoza encountered his first real NFL adversity against Houston. The rookie completed 8 of 15 passes for 86 yards and threw his first interception, a mistake that Texans linebacker Wade Woodaz returned for a touchdown. The play highlighted some of the challenges Mendoza will face as he adjusts to the speed and complexity of professional defenses.

For Kubiak , however, the interception was less important than what comes next. When asked Friday what Mendoza needs most to continue improving, the rookie head coach delivered a simple answer. “Reps,” Kubiak said. “I know that's a short answer, but that's the truth.”

That response speaks volumes about how the organization views Mendoza's future. The Raiders are not focused solely on one preseason throw or one difficult night. Instead, they are evaluating how quickly the rookie learns from mistakes and whether he can continue progressing through experience.

Kubiak has avoided declaring Cousins the starter

The development process extends beyond Mendoza. Kubiak is navigating his first season as an NFL head coach, offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko is in his first year calling plays, and rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. is also learning on the fly. Growing pains are expected throughout the organization.

Although Cousins brings years of NFL experience and stability to a team undergoing major changes, Kubiak has consistently avoided declaring him the Week 1 starter. Asked again about the situation, the coach explained that competition remains valuable for every player on the roster.

“I just don't think it ever benefits a player to know they have a spot secured,” Kubiak said. That philosophy leaves the door open for Mendoza , even if the rookie currently trails Cousins in the battle for the starting role. One concern often raised with young quarterbacks is how they continue developing if they are not receiving starter-level practice repetitions.

Kubiak acknowledged that challenge but emphasized that the Raiders have a plan in place should Mendoza begin the season as a backup. “It’s a great point,” Kubiak said. Those comments underscore just how highly the Raiders view Mendoza's long-term potential. Even if Cousins starts against Miami, the organization appears committed to accelerating the rookie's development through film study, coaching sessions, and every available practice opportunity.