Expected to be named starter
Cousins is expected to be named starting quarterback for the Raiders, Matt Zenitz of CBSSports.com reports.
Raiders coach Klint Kubiak had refused to announce a decision on Las Vegas' Week 1 quarterback throughout the preseason, but Cousins has been listed as the No. 1 QB on the team's depth chart during training camp and the exhibition slate. The veteran signal-caller was also more effective than rookie No. 1 draft pick Fernando Mendoza during preseason play, completing 13 of 17 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions to Mendoza's 25-for-45 line with one TD and two pickoffs. Cousins will thus have the first opportunity to helm the Raiders offense, which features an elite tight end in Brock Bowers but one of the NFL's shallowest wide-receiver corps. Should Cousins and/or the team struggle, Mendoza could eventually be given a chance to start later in the campaign, though it's certainly possible he'll be asked to observe and learn from the bench for his entire rookie season.
More Las Vegas Raiders Fantasy Football News
Ashton Jeanty
Being counted on for opener
Jeanty's ankle injury is being monitored in advance of Week 1, but per head coach Klint Kubiak, the Raiders are "counting on him" to be available, Levi Edwards of the Raiders' official website reports.
Matt Gay
Scores all points in loss
Gay converted four of five field-goal attempts in Thursday night's 18-12 preseason loss to the 49ers.
Malik Benson
Zeros in finale
Benson failed to catch his only target in Thursday night's preseason finale against the 49ers.
Michael Mayer
Two catches in loss
Mayer caught both of his targets for eight yards in Thursday night's 18-12 preseason loss to the 49ers.
Jalen Nailor
Two catches in preseason loss
Nailor brought in two of four targets for 13 yards in the Raiders' 18-12 preseason loss to the 49ers on Thursday.
Tre Tucker
Paces pass catchers in preseason loss
Tucker secured all three targets for 25 yards in the Raiders' 18-12 preseason loss to the 49ers on Thursday.
Fernando Mendoza
Still in QB competition
Mendoza remains in the mix for the Raiders' starting quarterback job along with veteran Kirk Cousins, Vinny Bonsignore of the California Post reports.
Mike Washington Jr.
Effective in preseason start
Washington rushed eight times for 49 yards and failed to bring in his only target in the Raiders' 18-12 preseason loss to the 49ers on Thursday.
Kirk Cousins
Decision on Week 1 starting QB still to come
Coach Klint Kubiak said after Thursday's preseason game against the 49ers that he hasn't made a decision between Cousins and rookie first overall pick Fernando Mendoza regarding who will be the Week 1 starting quarterback, Vincent Bonsignore of the California Post reports.
Brock Bowers
One catch in preseason loss
Bowers secured one of two targets for six yards in the Raiders' 18-12 preseason loss to the 49ers on Thursday.