Klint Kubiak Confirms Kirk Cousins as Raiders Starter Over Rookie Fernando Mendoza

Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak announced on Monday, October 26, that Kirk Cousins will remain the team’s starting quarterback for their Week 8 matchup against the New York Jets. The decision follows a period of speculation after the team’s fourth consecutive loss, but Kubiak was firm in his stance, stating that “there is no controversy” at the position.

The confirmation comes just 24 hours after Kubiak had suggested he was “evaluating everything” to address the team’s offensive struggles. By maintaining the status quo under center, the Raiders appear to be prioritizing veteran stability as they attempt to correct a season that has slipped to a 3-4 record following a 3-0 start.

The Raiders' coaching staff is prioritizing veteran stability as the team moves into a critical Week 8 matchup.

Prioritizing Elite Production

The choice to stick with Cousins is supported by the veteran’s high-level individual performance despite the team’s recent slide. Through the first seven weeks of the 2026 season, Cousins leads the NFL with 16 touchdown passes. Kubiak’s decision keeps the league’s most prolific scorer in the lineup while the team searches for answers elsewhere on the roster.

This path keeps rookie Fernando Mendoza in a developmental role for the time being. Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and a former Heisman Trophy winner from Indiana, made his professional debut during a Week 5 loss to the New England Patriots. While there is significant external interest in seeing the top pick take the reins, the coaching staff is currently opting for the experience of Cousins as they navigate a critical stretch of the schedule.

Addressing Wider Team Struggles

Analysis of the Raiders’ current four-game skid suggests that the quarterback position has not been the primary catalyst for the team’s decline. The offense has been hampered by a rushing attack that currently ranks 31st in the NFL, forcing the passing game to operate without a reliable ground threat to balance the field.

Defensive lapses have also played a significant role in the recent losing streak. The Raiders’ defense has allowed at least 30 points in each of the last four games, putting immense pressure on the offense to maintain a high scoring pace. By keeping Cousins as the starter, Kubiak is betting that the veteran’s league-leading touchdown production remains the most viable path to victory while the team attempts to shore up its defensive front and find consistency in the run game.

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