Raiders coach Klint Kubiak confirms Kirk Cousins will start against Jets

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak confirmed on Monday that Kirk Cousins will start at quarterback against the New York Jets this Sunday, ending speculation that the team would switch to rookie Fernando Mendoza after a four-game losing streak. The decision comes as the Raiders seek to end a slump that saw them fall 35-21 to the Los Angeles Rams in their most recent contest.

Kubiak addressed reporters via ESPN, stating that Cousins is playing at a high level and must continue to do so for the team to win. "We got to keep helping all the surrounding areas," Kubiak said. "[I’m] excited for him to go play against the Jets." Despite the recent losses, the coach maintained that the current situation supports keeping Cousins in the starting role.

The statistical performance backs up Kubiak's assessment. Through seven games in the 2026 season, Cousins leads all NFL quarterbacks in passing touchdowns with 16. He also ranks third in passing yards with 1,877. His efficiency metrics remain strong, with a 62.6% completion rate, only five interceptions, and a quarterback rating of 97.4. These numbers contrast with the team's recent defensive struggles and overall record.

Mendoza, selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, has not yet entered a game this season. Kubiak acknowledged that Mendoza is "going to play football" but emphasized that the immediate focus is on developing him behind a successful starter. The coach noted that while the team is currently competitive, it is vital to maintain strong play around Cousins while simultaneously nurturing Mendoza's growth.

The coaching staff had intended for Cousins to manage the offense efficiently while allowing Mendoza time to learn the system. Kubiak noted that while Mendoza will play at some point, it will not be this week. The coach did, however, state that "everything" would be evaluated if the Raiders suffered another loss, leaving the door open for future changes if the team does not improve against the Jets.

The New York Jets enter this matchup with a 2-5 record, having recently defeated the Miami Dolphins in Week 7 to secure their first win of the season. For Las Vegas, which started 3-0 before its current skid, a victory against New York is necessary to stabilize the season and maintain the current coaching plan regarding quarterback development.