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Las Vegas Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza embraces QB2 role as Kirk Cousins starts
First‑overall pick Fernando Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner from Indiana, entered Las Vegas Raiders training camp acknowledging that veteran Kirk Cousins will start at quarterback. Coach Klint Kubiak confirmed Cousins as the starter, while Mendoza said he is content to serve as the backup and help the team win. Mendoza is spending extra time with the offensive line to improve his reads and communication, noting he feels more comfortable but still has work to do.
The Raiders also made roster moves during camp, waiving injured running back Chris Collier and signing tight end Zack Kuntz to add depth. Additional offseason acquisitions include running backs Ashton Jeanty and rookie Mike Washington, bolstering the backfield as the team seeks to improve a previously struggling offense.
Entities
Fernando Mendoza · John Spytek · Kirk Cousins · Klint Kubiak · Las Vegas Raiders · Zack Kuntz
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Geno Smith ceded the starting spot to Kenny Pickett after a late‑season injury. www.titansradio.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Geno Smith threw 17 interceptions, lost one fumble, and was sacked 55 times in the previous season. www.titansradio.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Mendoza is willing to serve as the Raiders’ backup quarterback (QB2) if the team wins. www.titansradio.com · mix929.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Coach Klint Kubiak said a quarterback’s responsibilities in the huddle and pre‑snap affect the depth‑chart order. www.titansradio.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Kirk Cousins is the Raiders’ starting quarterback (QB1) as confirmed by coach Klint Kubiak. www.titansradio.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Raiders traded starter Geno Smith to the New York Jets. www.titansradio.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Fernando Mendoza was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with their No. 1 draft pick. www.titansradio.com · mix929.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Running back Ashton Jeanty averaged 3.7 yards per carry after the line improvements. www.titansradio.com