Cousins Remains the Raiders' Starting Quarterback
Despite the Las Vegas Raiders’ current four-game losing streak, the head coach has confirmed that 38-year-old Kirk Cousins will continue to wear the NFL jerseys and start in Week 8 against the New York Jets. Meanwhile, Fernando Mendoza—the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft—will have to continue waiting for his first career start.
Statistically speaking, Cousins is not the primary issue for the team. Through the first seven weeks of the season, he has weared the Las Vegas Raiders football jersey and thrown for an NFL-leading 16 touchdowns, maintained a 62.6% completion rate, and ranks third in the league with 1,877 passing yards—all while throwing only 5 interceptions.
The Raiders began the season with a 3–0 record but have since dropped four consecutive games. Although their Week 8 opponent, the Jets, have struggled to a 2–5 start—a scenario some viewed as an ideal opportunity to hand the reins to Mendoza—the coaching staff has opted to keep their faith in the veteran, Cousins.