After a 35-21 loss to the Rams that dropped the Las Vegas Raiders to 3-4, head coach Klint Kubiak hints a quarterback change may be coming. When asked if rookie No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza could replace struggling veteran Kirk Cousins, Kubiak gave a non‑committal answer, keeping the door open. Mendoza saw limited action in a garbage‑time cameo on Oct. 11, completing 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards, while Cousins threw for 295 yards and two TDs but delivered a 1‑of‑5 red‑zone performance and a poor third‑down conversion rate. With the Raiders’ offense sputtering and pressure mounting on Cousins, the QB battle is heating up.
The Las Vegas Raiders' current struggles during the 2026 NFL season do not change the long-term plan, nor should they the view of Klint Kubiak and John Spytek.
Blake Corum posted a season‑high 32 snaps and 93 yards with a touchdown in the Rams’ Week 7 win over the Raiders, but the Turf Show Times piece argues he’s not yet the team’s RB1. While Corum’s talent, blocking, and growing snap share (44%) look promising, consistency, health, and a full workload remain questions. Veteran Kyren Williams, a fifth‑round pick, still logged more snaps (37) and earned a solid PFF grade, despite a lingering fumble issue. The duo became the first Rams backfield since 2001 to each rush for 90+ yards in a game, echoing the Faulk‑McNeil era, but the article stresses Williams retains the top‑spot for now.
The Las Vegas Raiders will keep veteran Kirk Cousins under center for their Week 8 matchup against the New York Jets, shelving rumors that top overall pick quarterback Fernando Mendoza would make his first career start. Despite a four‑game losing streak after beginning the season 3‑0, head coach Klint Kubiak says Mendoza will see action later, not this week. Jets fans may recall Mendoza from the previous season when they lost the top draft pick to the Raiders on a tiebreaker, but his potential debut remains delayed.
The Los Angeles Rams snapped a two‑game skid with a 35‑21 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Oct. 25, 2026, thanks to wide receiver Paka Nacua’s clutch performance. Nacua logged eight catches on ten targets for 68 yards and a touchdown, plus two rushes, despite lingering worries after a lower‑calf injury three days earlier. He explained how quarterback Matthew Stafford’s support helped him mentally manage reinjury fear. The win lifted the Rams to 3‑4 and moved Nacua into the franchise’s top‑10 for career receiving yards, while Stafford set the Rams’ record with his 155th TD pass.
Week 7 of the NFL sees the Cowboys rout the Eagles 38-21, while former Purdue Boilermakers shine. Tyrone Tracy Jr. scores a rushing TD for the Giants in a 27-21 win over the Texans, adding a reception and 53 kickoff return yards. Derrick Barnes records six tackles in Detroit’s 20-17 victory over Green Bay, and George Karlaftis notches a tackle‑for‑loss and two QB hits as the Chiefs fall 20-3 to Seattle. Baker Mayfield returns for Tampa Bay, which dominates Carolina 43-13, though Payne Durham remains unused. The 49ers lose 29-20 to Atlanta despite Jalen Graham’s solo tackle, and the Raiders are beaten 35-21 by the Rams.
Week 7 sees 11 Maryland alumni on NFL fields, highlighted by Raiders right tackle DJ Glaze, who posted his best blocking grade of the season (76.9% overall, 83.7% in pass protection) despite Las Vegas’ 35-21 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Glaze allowed no pressures on 53 passing plays, marking his cleanest performance since Week 3. The Raiders fall to 3-4 and head to New York for a Sunday showdown with the Jets. The roundup also notes other Terp contributors, practice‑squad moves, and several bye‑week updates.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford credits former Lions teammate Calvin Johnson with sparking his signature no‑look throw. On The Pat McAfee Show, Stafford explained that trying to hide his target from defenses while still delivering the ball to Johnson inspired the move, which he now uses with the Los Angeles Rams. He highlighted a recent play where the trick helped score a touchdown, and noted the Rams’ 35‑21 win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7, improving their record to 3‑4. The story blends the throw’s origin with the Rams’ latest victory.
The Las Vegas Raiders have opened a 21‑day window for second‑year WR Jack Bech (23) to return from injured reserve after he broke his forearm in Week 3’s win over the New Orleans Saints. Bech, who posted five catches for 48 yards and a touchdown in his first three games, could practice and potentially suit up against the New York Jets on Sunday if cleared. The team must decide within three weeks whether to add him to the 53‑man roster, a move that would shuffle target shares among Bech, Tre Tucker, Jalen Nailor and tight end Brock Bowers. Meanwhile, fellow sophomore Donta Thornton faces a similar activation deadline.
The 49ers could return Nick Bosa, Deebo Samuel, Mike Evans and more after the bye week. The full list of injured players poised to return for Week 9 against the Raiders.
The Raiders and Colts are sticking with their starting quarterbacks, but that doesn't mean they should.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford, fresh off becoming the Rams' all‑time passing leader in a 35‑21 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, praised the versatility of his backfield duo on The Pat McAfee Show. He said he’s never seen a tandem like Kyren Williams and Blake Corum—both able to run, block and catch—so the Rams can build their entire offense around them. Together they posted 199 rushing yards, with Williams finishing one yard shy of 100 and scoring on a 17‑yard run, while former Michigan champion Corum gained 93 yards on 17 carries and added a late touchdown. Stafford even joked the backs look alike, highlighting their impact on the ground game.
Why Klint Kubiak must reassess the Las Vegas Raiders' QB situation and start Fernando Mendoza over Kirk Cousins, even though he says there is no controversy.
Veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford says the Rams’ backfield this season is the best of his career, thanks to the interchangeable duo of Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. The pair combined for 192 yards on 33 carries in the Rams’ 35‑21 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, with Corum logging a career‑high 17 carries for 93 yards and a touchdown. Stafford told Pat McAfee that both backs can run, block and catch without requiring separate packages, giving Sean McVay a versatile offense while missing Davante Adams. With Williams leading in carries (96) and receptions (32) and Corum adding volume running, the balanced attack helped L.A. post 199 rushing yards and 187 passing yards in Week 6, a key step toward a playoff push.
San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan says running back Christian McCaffrey’s mild hamstring strain, suffered in Week 7, is unlikely to keep him out beyond the upcoming bye week. While he won’t guarantee a return, Shanahan notes a long list of injured players—including WRs Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel, DE Nick Bosa, and LB Garret Wallow—could also be ready after the break. The potential roster shake‑up may reshape the 49ers’ receiving corps against the Raiders, with questions about depth at the defensive line and safety positions as well.
In Week 7, the New York Jets fall 28-25 to the Miami Dolphins as Geno Smith posts a solid 23‑30, 287‑yard, three‑TD performance, but faces criticism from teammate Garrett Wilson, who vents frustration over limited targets in the fourth quarter. The loss leaves both the Jets and upcoming opponent Las Vegas Raiders scrambling for playoff relevance ahead of their clash in New York. Meanwhile, Giants tackle Jermaine Eluemunor maintains a 96.7% pass‑block win rate despite recent pressures, and Raiders RB Josh Jacobs returns from legal trouble, recording a 55‑yard, one‑TD effort in a 20-17 loss to the Packers. The article highlights the personal storylines shaping the teams' fortunes.
Kirk Cousins trade talk has followed the 6-0 Minnesota Vikings all week, and the Raiders head coach was asked about it on Monday.
The New York Jets avoided being on the receiving end of Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza's first NFL start in Week 8.
Raiders HC Klint Kubiak squashes any notion of a QB controversy.
After a four‑game skid, Raiders coach Klint Kubiak quashed rumors of a quarterback switch by confirming veteran Kirk Cousins remains the starter. Kubiak praised Cousins’ play but urged a stronger running game, noting rookie No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza will “eventually” see action but not yet. The team stays in the playoff hunt, with the focus on winning. Additionally, wide receiver Jack Bech returns from a broken forearm IR this week, while the Raiders decide by Wednesday whether to activate or retain Dont’e Thornton on IR.
There may be a quarterback switch down the line for the Las Vegas Raiders, but it isn't happening in the immediate future.
Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak quashes speculation that rookie Fernando Mendoza will replace struggling quarterback Kirk Cousins, declaring Cousins "our quarterback" and affirming his confidence after a 28-3 deficit against the Los Angeles Rams. Despite the loss, Cousins posted 295 yards, two TDs and two sacks, and Kubiak says the team remains "in the hunt" as they sit 3-4 heading into a road game against the New York Jets and former Raider Geno Smith. Kubiak also hints Mendoza will see playing time eventually, but no timeline is set.
The Las Vegas Raiders have slid from a 3-0 start to 3-4, sparking debate over a major roster shake‑up. CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco urges the front office to trade star pass rusher Maxx Crosby before the trade deadline, arguing that his high value could fetch draft picks to aid a rebuild around young quarterback Fernando Mendoza and assets like running back Ashton Jeanty, tight ends Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer. Critics note Crosby’s recent poor performance against the Rams, while the team also struggles on the offensive line. A Crosby move could provide the draft capital needed to address the Raiders’ defensive and offensive woes.
Questions need to be asked about Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Rob Leonard after another D- showing in Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams.
When the Raiders travel to New York this week, they will face a 2-5...
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