Raiders keep Kirk Cousins as starter for Jets matchup
Coach Klint Kubiak said rookie Fernando Mendoza will eventually play, but the Raiders have no timetable for that move.
Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak said Kirk Cousins will start against the New York Jets on Nov. 1, deciding against turning to rookie Fernando Mendoza after a fourth consecutive defeat.
Kubiak had raised the possibility of a quarterback switch following the Raiders’ 35-21 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. At his Monday news conference, however, he said Cousins continued to perform well and that the team needed to improve around him. Kubiak said the choice reflected the priority of winning the next game.
Against the Rams, Cousins completed 26 passes on 44 attempts, throwing for 295 yards and two touchdowns. Las Vegas trailed 28-6 entering the final quarter. According to ESPN statistics, Cousins led the NFL with 16 touchdown passes entering Monday and stood third in passing yards with 1,877.
The Raiders are 3-4 after opening 3-0 and next face a Jets team with a 2-5 record. Kubiak said Las Vegas has a plan for Mendoza to play eventually, but no timetable. He said the team remained in contention for a playoff berth while continuing to develop the rookie.
