The Las Vegas Raiders have not officially named their starting quarterback, leaving the door open for rookie Fernando Mendoza to potentially take the field sooner than many expect. While veteran Kirk Cousins has been the frontrunner and is still projected to start Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins, an anonymous source has indicated that Mendoza is on track to start "sooner than you think."
NFL insider Adam Schefter shared the sentiment, reporting he received a text message stating Mendoza would be under center earlier than anticipated. Despite Cousins having head coach Klint Kubiak's backing and the experience edge, the Raiders' reluctance to make a definitive Week 1 starter announcement suggests internal consideration for Mendoza.
"There’s no doubt his time is coming. He’s going to be the starter. He’s going to be the face of the franchise," Schefter said on The Pat McAfee Show. "The question is how soon?"
The team has maintained a philosophy of not wanting to rush Mendoza's development. However, if the Raiders experience early struggles, particularly a loss in their season opener against the Dolphins, a quarterback change could be prompted. The extent of Cousins' success in the early part of the season could also influence how long Mendoza's debut is deferred. Mendoza was selected by the Raiders in the 2026 NFL Draft. The team has been quiet about its long-term plans for the rookie, fueling speculation about his potential early involvement in the upcoming season.