Fernando Mendoza’s path to the Las Vegas Raiders’ starting quarterback job has become less immediate after Kirk Cousins opened the 2026 season with two wins.
The rookie remains healthy and is listed behind Cousins on Las Vegas’ Week 3 depth chart, with Aidan O’Connell third. The Raiders will visit the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, and there’s no announced timetable for Mendoza to take over.
Las Vegas selected Mendoza No. 1 overall, but head coach Klint Kubiak entered training camp committed to giving Cousins the starting role. Kubiak had indicated that, ideally, a rookie wouldn’t be forced to start immediately and could learn behind an established veteran.
Cousins ultimately won the competition, earning the Week 1 job after a strong offseason and training camp.
Mendoza did get valuable preseason experience, completing 25 of 45 attempts for 240 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
His performances showed the potential that made him the top pick, but they also highlighted the adjustments required when moving from college football to the NFL. His development, for now, is happening from the sideline rather than during meaningful regular-season snaps.
The bigger issue for Mendoza is that Cousins has given Las Vegas very little reason to make a change. Through two games, Cousins has completed 40 of 59 passes for 413 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions.
He threw three touchdown passes in each of the Raiders’ first two games, helping them defeat Miami before beating the Los Angeles Chargers. Las Vegas is now 2-0 after finishing 3-14 last season.
Why Mendoza’s debut could be delayed
ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported that there’s “no rush” to move Mendoza into the starting role.
The Raiders’ unexpected early success has given Kubiak and his staff more time to develop the rookie without immediately placing the offense on his shoulders.
Graziano also noted that Mendoza’s mobility and stronger arm could eventually provide the offense with another dimension, but Las Vegas doesn’t appear eager to accelerate the transition.
That situation could be frustrating for Mendoza, particularly after arriving as the first overall selection. However, the Raiders’ current circumstances make patience easier to understand.
A winning team has less incentive to disrupt its quarterback position, especially when the veteran starter is producing touchdowns and avoiding a prolonged losing stretch.
Mendoza’s clearest route onto the field would be an injury to Cousins. As the next quarterback on the depth chart, he’d be expected to take over if Cousins couldn’t continue.
There’s also a possibility he could receive late-game snaps if Las Vegas builds a comfortable lead, although Kubiak would ultimately decide whether to give the rookie that opportunity.
The next chance comes against New Orleans. Cousins is slated to start, while Mendoza will remain prepared behind him. If O’Connell can’t play, Mendoza could become the only active backup, making his role particularly important.
Unless Cousins struggles, suffers an injury or the Raiders’ season changes direction, Mendoza’s NFL debut may have to wait.
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