Raiders Face Backlash Over Kirk Cousins as Starting QB

WHO:

raiders.com - Head coach Klint Kubiak is relying heavily on his coaching staff to maximize on-field talent as the Raiders shape their identity.

raiders.com - Rookie cornerback Hezekiah Masses played opposite Eric Stokes during the team period.

raiders.com - Offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko praised rookie Fernando Mendoza for his command over the huddle and ability to tie footwork to real-time situations during practice.

Heavy NFL - The Las Vegas Raiders, Kirk Cousins, Fernando Mendoza, Klint Kubiak, Andrew Janocko, Tyler Linderbaum, Kolton Miller, Maxx Crosby, Aidan O'Connell, Hezekiah Masses, Malik Benson.

WHAT:

raiders.com - Kirk Cousins is expected to receive a significant number of reps during training camp, as confirmed by Kubiak.

raiders.com - Maxx Crosby participated in his first practice of the offseason after recovering from a knee injury that sidelined him for the last two games of the 2025 season.

Heavy NFL - The Raiders' decision to name Kirk Cousins as the starting QB means that No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza will learn on the sidelines and be brought along slowly.

raiders.com - During the first practice, Kirk Cousins took first-team reps while rookie Fernando Mendoza impressed with his second-team reps, showcasing his command over the huddle and athleticism.

raiders.com - Maxx Crosby returned to practice after recovering from a knee injury that sidelined him for the last two games of the 2025 season.

raiders.com - The Raiders will wear shoulder pads for the first time on August 4, 2026, marking an increase in practice intensity.

raiders.com - Kirk Cousins emphasized the importance of competition in practice, stating, "In this league, it's kind of one day at a time. You're only as good as your last throw, your last practice."

raiders.com - Rookie Malik Benson made an impressive catch down the field from Aidan O'Connell during practice, showcasing his speed with a 4.37 40-yard dash time at the Combine.

Heavy NFL - The Las Vegas Raiders named Kirk Cousins their starting quarterback for training camp.

raiders.com - Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, worked with the second unit during training camp.

raiders.com - Maxx Crosby returned to practice without limitations after recovering from a knee injury.

raiders.com - Kirk Cousins is expected to receive a significant number of reps during training camp.

raiders.com - The Raiders utilized 12 personnel on 27.4 percent of their offensive plays in 2025.

WHERE:

raiders.com - The training camp is taking place at the Intermountain Health Performance Center.

WHEN:

raiders.com - The Raiders will have their fourth practice of training camp on August 4, 2026, when they will wear shoulder pads for the first time.

raiders.com - The Raiders will have their first practice with shoulder pads on August 4, 2026.

raiders.com - The Raiders' first practice of training camp occurred in July 2026.

raiders.com - The Raiders will wear shoulder pads for the first time on August 4, 2026.

WHY:

raiders.com - Kubiak stated that he wants Mendoza and O'Connell to "push" Cousins during training camp, emphasizing the importance of competition.

raiders.com - Klint Kubiak stated that he wants Mendoza and O'Connell to "push" Cousins during training camp.

raiders.com - Klint Kubiak stated that he wants Mendoza and O'Connell to push Cousins during training camp.

raiders.com - Kubiak believes that in a perfect world, a rookie should learn behind an established veteran.

HOW:

raiders.com - Tyler Linderbaum emphasized the importance of mental preparation and discipline during the early days of training camp, stating, "The work mental and the discipline are as important as the physical."

raiders.com - Offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko noted that Mendoza is able to tie his footwork to real-time situations, indicating his progress in adapting to the offense.

raiders.com - The coaching staff is focusing on building coordination and confidence among players during the early days of training camp, with an emphasis on mental preparation and technique.

raiders.com - The Raiders are focusing on building coordination and confidence among players during the early days of training camp.

raiders.com - Kirk Cousins emphasized the importance of competing "with" each other rather than "against" each other in practice.

The Raiders are focusing on shaping their identity under head coach Klint Kubiak, who is relying heavily on his coaching staff to maximize the team's on-field talent. Rookie cornerback Hezekiah Masses took the field alongside Eric Stokes, while Kirk Cousins is set to receive a significant number of reps during training camp, with Kubiak encouraging competition from Mendoza and O'Connell. The team will don shoulder pads for the first time during their fourth practice of training camp on August 4, 2026, as players like Maxx Crosby return from injuries and emphasize the importance of mental preparation and discipline.