Raiders decline to name starting quarterback

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak declined to name a starting quarterback for the regular season following the team's 22-20 preseason victory over the Houston Texans on Thursday night. The decision leaves veteran Kirk Cousins and rookie first-round pick Fernando Mendoza in a continued competition as the preseason concludes.

Cousins, who has been working with the first-team offense throughout training camp, sat out Thursday's game along with other key starters including defensive end Maxx Crosby, running back Ashton Jeanty, and tight end Brock Bowers. Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, started and played the entire first half. He completed 8 of 15 passes for 86 yards, including a first-quarter interception that was returned for a touchdown, and was sacked once while facing six pressures. Third-string quarterback Aidan O'Connell then played the second half, throwing for 166 yards and scoring the game-winning touchdown on a fourth-quarter run.

Kubiak stated after the game that the competition remains open. "We got another week. I don't want anyone to be comfortable in their job," Kubiak said. "It should always be that way for all positions. So, let's...