Cousins To Start for Raiders Against Patriots Sunday
The Las Vegas Raiders will retain Kirk Cousins as quarterback when they face the New England Patriots on October 12.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Football
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Fans watching the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday will see Kirk Cousins remain as the starting quarterback against the New England Patriots. Fernando Mendoza will remain on the sidelines, continuing his role as the No. 2 option on the depth chart.
Why it matters
The team is currently maintaining a 3-1 record with Cousins under center, as the coaching staff prioritizes a steady hand for the current season. This approach reflects a commitment to the roster performance delivered since the 2025 offseason.
The Raiders hold a 3-1 record this season, supported by nine touchdown passes from 38-year-old Kirk Cousins through the first three games. The team remains committed to this lineup despite the potential of backup Fernando Mendoza, who threw 41 touchdowns at Indiana.
The players
Kirk Cousins
The 38-year-old starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Fernando Mendoza
The 23-year-old backup quarterback on the Raiders depth chart.
Klint Kubiak
The manager of the Raiders roster and quarterback development.
The details
Klint Kubiak continues to manage the roster and prioritize a gradual development path for the younger quarterback. Fernando Mendoza is expected to sit out his fifth straight game, with some projections suggesting a potential start for the 23-year-old in the Week 8 game against the New York Jets. Kirk Cousins is expected to remain the starter for the duration of the 2026 season.
Timeline
October 12, 2026: The Raiders face the New England Patriots.
October 11, 2026: Article publication date.
Beyond the Strip
The current quarterback rotation follows the strategy established during the 2025 offseason roster construction. This decision confirms the team's ongoing commitment to a veteran-led offense for the 2026 campaign.
Fans heading to the stadium or tuning in on Sunday will see the veteran quarterback take the field as the primary signal-caller. No changes to the active roster or game-day availability have been announced for the upcoming contest.
The takeaway
The Raiders are sticking with their veteran signal-caller as they look to maintain their 3-1 record. Keep an eye on the Week 8 matchup against the New York Jets, which has been cited by analysts as a possible point for roster rotation.
Further reading
For more on the team's season, visit Football.
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Should your local team prioritize rookie development over veteran performance for immediate wins?
