Yahoo Sports NFL on Fernando Mendoza

Mendoza expected to start after Week 13 bye; schedule softens in December.

The Raiders' first overall pick from the 2026 draft is expected to take over as starter after the bye week (Week 13), meaning he wouldn't start until December. The source believes Mendoza should start immediately to gain experience, but head coach Klint Kubiak is keeping Cousins as starter while the team remains technically in playoff contention. The schedule softens after the bye with games against Chargers, Broncos, Titans, Cardinals, and Chiefs.

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