Raiders Retain Kirk Cousins as Starting Quarterback
Despite a recent three-game losing streak, the Raiders will continue to rely on veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Football
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The Las Vegas Raiders have confirmed that Kirk Cousins will remain the starting quarterback. The decision comes after the team dropped three consecutive games against the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and New England Patriots.
Why it matters
The organization prioritizes the veteran leadership of Cousins over rookie Fernando Mendoza, who recorded 48 passing yards in his limited appearance against the Patriots.
Kirk Cousins brings 15 years of professional experience across five NFL teams to the position. Cousins has recorded 1,582 passing yards and 14 touchdowns with five interceptions this season.
The players
Kirk Cousins
An veteran NFL quarterback with 15 years of professional experience who has played for five different franchises.
Klint Kubiak
The head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders who is responsible for managing the team's quarterback rotation and offensive strategy.
Mark Davis
The owner of the Las Vegas Raiders who oversees team operations and organizational hierarchy.
Fernando Mendoza
A rookie quarterback currently in his first NFL season who appeared for the Raiders against the New England Patriots.
The details
Team owner Mark Davis has empowered head coach Klint Kubiak and his coaching staff to manage personnel decisions during this challenging period. The staff values the ability of Cousins to consistently execute through his three progressions, despite the team cooling off from their 3-0 start.
Timeline
The 2026 season marks the first year of Fernando Mendoza in the NFL.
Season Trajectory
The Raiders' recent skid halts the momentum built during their 3-0 start, forcing the team to stabilize their playoff aspirations. Relying on an experienced starter signals an effort to halt the current three-game losing streak and regain competitive balance.
Fantasy managers should maintain expectations for Cousins as the primary point of distribution, given his consistent execution of offensive reads. Fans will see the veteran under center as the team attempts to correct the downward trend following losses to the Chiefs, Bills, and Patriots.
The takeaway
Team coaching staffs often favor veteran stability during losing streaks to provide a sense of consistency on the field. Readers should look for how the Raiders adjust their offensive scheme to support Cousins in his upcoming performances.
Further reading
For more on team developments and roster shifts, visit the Football section.
Live Poll
Should your local team stick with veteran players during a losing streak?
