Kubiak keeps Raiders' QB race going: 'We got another week' - ESPN

HOUSTON — Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak is not ready to name a starting quarterback for the regular season despite sitting Kirk Cousins and having rookie Fernando Mendoza start in Thursday's 22-20 preseason win over the Houston Texans.

«We got another week. I don't want anyone to be comfortable in their job,» Kubiak said. «It should always be that way for all positions. So, let's keep going.»

Cousins has played only one drive in two preseason games. He was among a handful of starters that spent the evening on the sideline at Reliant Stadium, including defensive end Maxx Crosby, running back Ashton Jeanty, tight end Brock Bowers and left tackle Kolton Miller.

Kubiak said the team viewed Tuesday's joint practice as a game for some players, leading to the decision to rest them.

The starters watched from the sideline while Mendoza played the entire first half. He completed 8 of 15 passes for 86 yards and an interception on five drives. His longest completion was a 22-yard pass to wide receiver Jalen Nailor.

Nailor and wide receiver Jack Bech were the only projected starters to play. Quarterback Aidan O'Connell played the final two quarters. He recorded 166 passing yards and scored the go-ahead rushing touchdown in the final seconds of the fourth quarter.

«Coach Kubiak outlined for the team what the plan was going to be with the starters, essentially for Weeks 1, 2 and 3 of the preseason, [and] to keep it internally,» Mendoza said. «That was something I knew going into the game was going to be a great experience as a first start in the NFL preseason, which is always the next step.»

Mendoza said he will walk away from his time in Houston knowing that he has a lot of learning to do. He added that the margin for error is