​LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 27: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Las Vegas Raiders warms up before a preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on August 27, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Las Vegas Raiders have been quiet about who the starting quarterback will be in Week 1. Klint Kubiak has been vauge on the topic and says he didn’t want to name a starter to keep everyone on their toes. Based on the play in the preseason and the distribution with the first team, Kirk Cousins has been in the lead. Mendoza got to play with the ones for two snaps last Thursday, with it ending in a turnover. Cousins has led three scoring drives during his time on the field. On Saturday, CBS Sports reported what everyone expected. Kirk Cousins will be named the starter for Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins. The #Raiders are expected to name Kirk Cousins as their starting quarterback, sources tell @CBSSportspic.twitter.com/U1DlIY9u19— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) August 29, 2026This shouldn’t surprise anyone following the team during the offseason. When they signed Cousins, it was clear they planned for him to start Week 1 unless Mendoza was absolutely ready. With Mendoza struggling in preseason games, it makes sense this is how the franchise is moving. In other Raiders links:Raiders cut tracker 2026: Keep up with the latest news from cutdown day. RB Dare Ogunbowale Fined After Raiders Game: Raiders running back Dare Ogunbowale was fined for illegal use of helmetBiggest decisions facing the Raiders: Ryan McFadden of ESPN has all the info on the big decisions facing the Raiders on cutdown day.