Raiders coach Klint Kubiak has opted against naming a regular-season starting quarterback following Thursday’s preseason finale. While Kubiak declined to officially declare a starter, the utilization of players during the game suggests that Kirk Cousins is being positioned to receive the starting nod in Week 1.
The decision comes after a preseason where the team evaluated its options, with the final exhibition game providing potential clues to the coaching staff’s direction. Kubiak’s unwillingness to confirm a starter leaves some ambiguity heading into the regular season, but the on-field usage has fueled speculation that Cousins is the leading candidate.
This strategic ambiguity could be a tactic to maintain competitive balance or to keep all quarterbacks focused. However, the practical implications point towards Cousins being the quarterback under center when the Raiders kick off their regular season campaign in Week 1.
