As soon as Fernando Mendoza made his much-anticipated debut for the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 5 against the New England Patriots, speculation quickly grew that he might replace Kirk Cousins as the starting quarterback.
Even though Mendoza was inserted only in the fourth quarter, with the outcome already settled in favor of the Patriots, many have still theorized about the bold move, especially with the Raiders suffering three straight defeats with Cousins as the main signal-caller. They lost to the Buffalo Bills in Week 6.
On “The Rich Eisen Show,” ESPN’s Kurt Warner pumped the brakes on the possibility of the Raiders handing the keys to Mendoza.
“I don’t think they should, as of yet. I believe this team is not a great football team. But they got some key pieces, including Kirk Cousins, that are making them competitive every time out,” said Warner, a two-time MVP.
“I think it’s too early right now with how competitive and how well Kirk is playing to go to Fernando just yet. There may come a time when you feel that this team is not good enough, they’re not gonna make a playoff push, and you make that move. But I don’t think the time is right now.”
Should #RaiderNation start thinking about Fernando Mendoza time?#NFL pic.twitter.com/AUOHmcTwRz
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) October 20, 2026
The 23-year-old Mendoza, the No. 1 pick, went 6-of-8 for 48 yards against the Patriots. He had one carry for three yards.
He did not play against the Bills. The 38-year-old Cousins, meanwhile, went 23-of-41 for 313 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
Cousins, who is in his first season in Las Vegas, grabbed attention after leading the team to a 3-0 start. He has since sputtered, leaving the door open for Mendoza to potentially take over.
The Raiders will face the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
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