Raiders name Kirk Cousins as Week 1 starting quarterback, Fernando Mendoza will begin career as backup

Mendoza-Mania will not be coming to Las Vegas just yet.

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak announced Wednesday that the team is naming Kirk Cousins its Week 1 starting quarterback against the Miami Dolphins, meaning Fernando Mendoza will begin his career as a backup.

"(Cousins has) played really good football, I’m really happy with all three of (the) quarterbacks.

Kirk’s had a really good offseason, very good camp, and he’s earned it," Kubiak told reporters.

When asked if he expects Mendoza to play at all this year, Kubiak deflected the question and said the team is focused on the Dolphins.

Raiders general manager John Spytek and minority owner Tom Brady have been advocates about letting a rookie develop behind a veteran quarterback, which makes the team's decision to roll with Cousins unsurprising.

Spytek said Mendoza has shown the team everything it learned about him in the draft process when talking to reporters Tuesday.

"He’s a tireless worker.

He loves football.

He loves his teammates.

He’s energetic on the field.

He’s self-critical.

He’s self-aware.

He’s very accurate," Spytek said during a recent press conference.