With the Las Vegas Raiders set to begin their regular season in just over three weeks, the team remains tight-lipped about naming a starting quarterback. Following a 22-20 preseason victory over the Houston Texans, coach Klint Kubiak opted to keep the competition alive, stating, "We got another week of playing. I don't want anyone to be comfortable in their job."

The battle appears to be between Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza. However, Kubiak's past comments suggest he may have already made his decision, hinting that it is Cousins' job to lose. In the Raiders' first preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals, Cousins showcased his skills, completing 5-of-6 passes for 50 yards and a touchdown, prompting Kubiak to note, "Kirk's been getting the reps with the ones. I think he's had a solid training camp and it's his job to lose."

Although Cousins did not play in the recent game against the Texans, he participated in joint practices where he faced mixed results, including a pick-six. Mendoza, despite getting first-team reps, also struggled, throwing two interceptions in practice and finishing the game with 8-of-15 for 86 yards, including a pick-six on his third pass.

Kubiak acknowledged Mendoza's need for improvement, stating, "Plenty to clean up. Plenty to get better at." With Cousins likely not playing in the final preseason game, he will have only taken one series in three games, a strategy often used to keep veteran quarterbacks healthy. Kubiak's earlier declaration on July 28, "When we go out to practice tomorrow, Kirk Cousins is the starting quarterback," remains relevant as the season opener against the Miami Dolphins approaches.