To Begin Rookie Season as Raiders Backup Behind Veteran Kirk Cousins

The Las Vegas Raiders have officially named veteran Kirk Cousins the starting quarterback for Week 1, delaying the NFL debut of No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. Head coach Klint Kubiak emphasized that the rookie must continue to earn his time on the field, with expectations that Mendoza will focus on his development behind Cousins for the immediate future. Mendoza becomes the first No. 1 overall quarterback since Baker Mayfield not to start in Week 1 of his rookie season.