{
  "id": 869825,
  "title": "Are Raiders still starting Kirk Cousins after Fernando Mendoza's impressive NFL debut?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/are-raiders-still-starting-kirk-cousins-after-fernando-mendozas",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-14T12:32:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/raiders-still-starting-kirk-cousins-123246998.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Las Vegas Raiders showcased their rookie sensation, Fernando Mendoza, as he made his impressive preseason debut on Thursday night. Despite being an undrafted player, the Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 overall pick out of Indiana delivered a strong performance, completing 10 of his 16 passes for 97 yards and securing a touchdown. Mendoza entered the game late in the first quarter and wasted no time showcasing his talent, even though he did take an ill-advised sack during his rookie outing.\n\nDespite Mendoza's impressive display, head coach Klint Kubiak remains focused on Kirk Cousins for the regular season. Kubiak acknowledged that Cousins had been getting the necessary reps in training camp and that it was his job to lose. The coach described Mendoza as an ascending player who needed to keep improving. While Mendoza's strong performance was well-received, it appears that Kirk Cousins will continue to start when the regular season begins on September 13, when the Raiders host the Miami Dolphins.",
  "summary": "Klint Kubiak has a clear idea of how he views the Raiders' QB room",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Raiders plan to give top pick Fernando Mendoza 'plenty of experience' in Thursday's preseason opener",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/raiders-plan-to-give-top-pick-fernando-mendoza-plenty-of-experience",
        "published": "2026-08-12T17:21:44.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}