Raiders Not Expected To Start Fernando Mendoza vs. Jets

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Oct 28, 2026 1:32 PM ET

Is the future finally here for Fernando Mendoza and the Las Vegas Raiders?

Even though Kirk Cousins has played well for the Raiders (1,877 passing yards and 16 touchdowns) this season, Klint Kubiak flirted with the idea of starting the No. 1 pick from the 2026 draft in Week 8.

“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,” Kubiak said after the Raiders lost 35-21 to the Rams.

Despite all the hype surrounding Mendoza, he’s not going to start this weekend. At least that’s what ESPN insider Dan Graziano reported this Wednesday.

“The Raiders did not have any serious discussions this week about sitting veteran starting QB Kirk Cousins for rookie Fernando Mendoza, whom they think is coming along very well but still isn’t as ready as they’d like him to be when they make him their starter,” Graziano wrote. “The plan all along has been to sit Mendoza as long as possible, and I personally would be surprised to see him start any of the Raiders’ next five games at least.”

Aug 27, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) carries the ball against San Francisco 49ers linebacker Jaden Dugger (53) at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesKirby Lee-Imagn Images.

When will we see Mendoza?

It’s possible the Raiders wait until after their bye week to start Mendoza. That would put him in line to start on Dec. 13 against the Chargers.

While fans are a bit frustrated that Mendoza hasn’t started a regular-season game yet, there’s no reason to panic about his development.

“I’m very pleased with where he’s at, and none of us really know until he goes and plays. But he’s doing everything that we’re asking him to do,” Kubiak said, via Pro Football Talk. “Really, he’s doing more than asked, and that’s just his character.”

If the Raiders lose to the Jets this weekend, the calls for Mendoza to start will only get louder.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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