Fernando Mendoza's Debut: A Timely or Too Timely Takeover?

When is the perfect time for rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza to start?

The biggest question surrounding the Las Vegas Raiders' 2026 season revolves around when Mendoza, the No. 1 overall draft pick, will take over as the starting quarterback.

There's a possibility he might begin the season in Week 1 as the starter, but both Raiders' head coach Klint Kubiak and general manager John Spytek have expressed that, in an ideal scenario, a rookie quarterback would be given time to watch from the bench before starting their career.

Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins was signed by the Raiders, suggesting he will be the starter to begin the season.

Mainstream media speculation points to the Raiders waiting until after their Week 13 bye to transition from Cousins to Mendoza, considering they have a tough stretch from Weeks 4-11 and four road games in November.

Our readers were asked if they would be okay with Mendoza not playing until December. Most said they would be fine with it.

However, I think Mendoza will be playing much earlier than December, and that would be in the best interest of the franchise for 2026 and beyond.