Kubiak holds off naming Raiders starting quarterback

Raiders coach Klint Kubiak said he is not ready to name a starting quarterback for the regular season, despite sitting Kirk Cousins and starting rookie Fernando Mendoza in Thursday's 22-20 preseason win over the Texans. "We got another week. I don't want anyone to be comfortable in their job," Kubiak said. "It should always be that way for all positions. So, let's keep going."

Cousins has played only one drive in two preseason games. He was among several starters kept out of Thursday's game, including Maxx Crosby, Ashton Jeanty, Brock Bowers and Kolton Miller. Kubiak said the team treated Tuesday's joint practice as a game for some players, which led to the decision to rest them Thursday.

Mendoza played the entire first half, completing 8 of 15 passes for 86 yards with an interception on five drives. His longest completion went 22 yards to Jalen Nailor. Aidan O'Connell played the final two quarters, throwing for 166 yards and scoring the go-ahead rushing touchdown in the final seconds.

Mendoza said Kubiak outlined a plan for how the starters would be used through Weeks 1, 2 and 3 of the preseason, and that he knew going in that Thursday would be his first NFL preseason start. On the opening drive, positioned at Houston's 24-yard line, Mendoza tried to check the ball down to Mike Washington Jr., but linebacker Wade Woodaz jumped the throw and returned it 80 yards for a touchdown.

Mendoza had two incompletions targeting Malik Benson, including a drop on third down and a pass broken up by Tremon Smith with 17 seconds left in the half. He was sacked once and pressured six times, and said he needs to improve his pocket movement. "Maybe stepping up in the pocket," he said, "maybe stepping side to side to give [me] a little bit more time and try to best serve my teammates."