When will Fernando Mendoza start? Projecting Raiders rookie QB's debut with Kirk Cousins in mix
With the Raiders' 2026 schedule now released, when could Mendoza take the field?
When will Fernando Mendoza start? Projecting Raiders rookie QB's debut with Kirk Cousins in mix originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Las Vegas Raiders appear willing to be patient with Fernando Mendoza's development. But chances are, at some point in 2026, he's going to take the field as a starter. The Raiders are aiming to take steps forward in Mendoza's rookie season, not yet a title contender as they seek to develop young talent for a franchise that has made the playoffs just once in the last eight seasons.
Kirk Cousins is expected to begin the 2026 season as the Raiders' QB1, bringing a veteran presence to the offense. But once likely losses accumulate for Las Vegas, it could be time for the No. 1 pick to shine.
Here's a projection of when Mendoza could become the Raiders' starter after the team's 2026 schedule was released. MORE: Raiders' "Step Brothers" skit among best 2026 NFL schedule release videos Will Fernando Mendoza start for Raiders? Nothing is yet official, but ever since new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak said in March that he would prefer a rookie quarterback to watch "a mature adult go and run an offense and run the team," it's appeared that he will not be giving Mendoza the immediate QB1 job in Las Vegas.
Continue to the original source for the full article.