Raiders QB Shake-Up: Mendoza Steps In After Cousins Trade

With Kirk Cousins traded to the Minnesota Vikings, rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza is poised to make his first regular-season start for the Las Vegas Raiders. Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner and top NFL Draft selection, has been developing from the sidelines this season. The Raiders initially preferred to start a veteran quarterback and let the rookie learn, a plan that yielded a 4-5 record and an improvement over last year's performance.

Cousins, who reunited with coach Kubiak, had a strong season, throwing 20 touchdowns. The trade to Minnesota involved a 2027 third-round pick. Mendoza had previously seen brief action in mop-up duty during a Week 5 game, completing 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards. Aidan O'Connell is expected to become the new backup quarterback.