Fernando Mendoza’s first taste of NFL action was enough to get the rumor mill spinning, but Kurt Warner isn’t ready to push Kirk Cousins aside just yet.
Mendoza made his debut for the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 5 against the New England Patriots, entering in the fourth quarter after the game had already tilted heavily in New England’s favor. Even with that limited cameo, the chatter started almost immediately: should the rookie be taking over for Cousins?
That speculation picked up steam because the Raiders have now dropped three straight with Cousins running the offense. They lost again in Week 6 to the Buffalo Bills, which only kept the conversation alive around whether Las Vegas might make a switch at quarterback.
💻 @kurt13warner
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) October 20, 2026
Should #RaiderNation start thinking about Fernando Mendoza time?#NFL pic.twitter.com/AUOHmcTwRz
Warner, though, said on “The Rich Eisen Show” that he would hold off.
“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.”
Mendoza, who is 23 and the No. 1 pick, finished 6-of-8 for 48 yards against the Patriots and added one carry for three yards. He did not see the field in the loss to Buffalo.
Cousins, 38, was busy in that Bills game, going 23-of-41 for 313 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He’s in his first season with Las Vegas and drew plenty of attention after helping the Raiders open 3-0, even as the offense has since hit a rough patch.
The Raiders’ next chance to sort things out comes Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams.
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