Scoring Zone
Today
news -1.0 impact 2 sources covering this

Raiders' Klint Kubiak on Fernando Mendoza potentially replacing Kirk Cousins: 'We're thinking about everything'

The Las Vegas Raiders are considering replacing quarterback Kirk Cousins with rookie Fernando Mendoza due to the team's struggles, but coach Klint Kubiak hasn't made any definitive statements about the situation.

First seen Oct 26, 2026 · 12:02 PM UTC · last updated Oct 26 1:34 PM

Scoring Zone's Take

Fernando Mendoza isn't on an NFL roster per these reports in a way that changes his outlook dramatically yet — he's a name being floated, not a confirmed starter. Do not add him speculatively unless you're in a very deep dynasty or rookie-focused format where stashing has no cost; in redraft leagues, there's no fantasy value to claim until Kubiak actually makes the switch. Keep him on your watch list and check in-season news closely before kickoff each week.

Ashton Jeanty's inclusion here is incidental — the cluster centers on the QB competition, not his role. If Mendoza were to take over, a rookie-friendly, run-heavy approach could theoretically boost Jeanty's touches, but that's speculative stacking on top of an already uncertain report. Hold Jeanty as you normally would; this news alone doesn't change his weekly outlook. Overall confidence here is moderate-low — this is smoke, not fire, so avoid overreacting with roster moves until Kubiak commits to an actual change.

Raiders' Klint Kubiak on Fernando Mendoza potentially replacing Kirk Cousins: 'We're thinking about everything'

The Las Vegas Raiders dropped their fourth straight game on Sunday, falling below .500 for the first time this season and raising questions about when No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza might see his first start.

Following the 35-21 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Raiders coach Klint Kubiak wasn’t ready to make any definitive statements about Kirk Cousins, Mendoza or the rest of his squad.

"We have to go watch the film," Kubiak said, via ESPN. "I think at this point, we're thinking about everything to fix our problems, how to fix our issues in the red zone, in the third quarter, personnel [and] scheme. We've got to talk about all of it."

Cousins struggled mightily in the first half before the Raiders made a game of it in the second half. Vegas trailed 28-6 at halftime, with the offense putting up 128 yards and two field goals. Cousins finished 26-of-44 passing for 295 yards and two touchdowns. If not for two third-quarter turnovers-on-downs, the Raiders might have made it even more interesting late.

Through seven games, Cousins has thrown for 1,877 yards, an NFL-leading 16 TDs and five interceptions.

"I want the football team to have the best chance to win games," Cousins said. "[During] the first OTA [practice], if that had become apparent, I would've been the first one to say, 'Yeah, you can't play me.'"

RELATED CONTENT

Cousins knows the score. Eventually, Mendoza will take the starting gig. The question has always been when.

Vegas' issue is that Cousins isn’t their biggest problem right now. So how much would a QB switch solve in the short term?

The running game can’t get on track. Ashton Jeanty caught eight passes for 61 yards and a nice TD snag, but rushed eight times for just 15 yards (1.9 yards per carry).

"You can't win in this league having to throw it as much as we are throwing," Kubiak said. "If there's no balance, then you are playing from behind."

The defense has gotten bowled over. During their four-game skid, the Raiders have allowed all four teams to score 30-plus points, averaging 35.75 points per game allowed over the streak.

A move to Mendoza won’t fix any of those problems. As the losses mount, however, a change will happen, eventually. Could it be this week against a New York Jets squad that lost to a previously winless Miami team? Or might Kubiak wait until after the November gauntlet -- 6-1 49ers, 4-3 Seahawks, 5-2 Broncos and 5-2 Browns -- before tossing the rookie into the fire?

Kubiak’s response on Monday to follow-up questions about his QB question will be telling. If he doesn’t immediately back Cousins, it likely indicates a move to Mendoza is already in the works.

Coverage from Nfl Dot Com News · by Kevin Patra · Oct 26, 2026 · read original