TC Martin

Raider Open Preseason at Home Thursday   

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It's time to see what the 2026 Las Vegas Raiders look like. For the first time this season, the Raiders will be taking the field for a game as they face off against the Arizona Cardinals Thursday at Allegiant Stadium to open the preseason.

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There are many firsts that come with this contest.  It will be the first game for Klint Kubiak as a head coach, Kirk Cousins first game as the Raiders starting quarterback and the first-time number one overall pick and Heisman Trophy winner will play in a professional football game. 

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There is plenty of excitement in Raider nation as coaches, players and fans are anxious to see what this version of the Silver & Black will look like.  It is a new look team in so many different areas especially with a new head coach and two potential starting quarterbacks. 

 

Kubiak said that he wants his starters to get plenty of reps in the three preseason games.  That means Cousins, who is the starting quarterback may see significant action, more so than he has in recent seasons with Minnesota and Atlanta.  

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Being a 15-year veteran, most coaches will take the approach of resting a player of Cousins caliber but with so much uncertainty Kubiak needs to see how this offense is going to gel and be effective.  However, it is also a time when Mendoza needs to be evaluated and start gaining experience at the NFL level.  Kubiak has promised Mendoza will get plenty of reps as well. 

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Looking at the rest of the squad, the offensive line and wide receivers are big question marks for this team that finished last season with the league's worst record (3-14) and least productive offenses finishing dead last averaging only 245yards per game. 

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The line that will protect Cousins and Mendoza needs help. Although, the Raiders signed Tyler Linderaum away from Baltimore to play center, the rest is questionable. Caleb Rogers is listed as the backup left guard despite seeing time at right guard recently, sharing time with Jackson Powers-Johnson. Trey Zuhn III is the backup right tackle. That's where he's been lining up in recent practices after beginning camp as the second team center and third team right guard.

 

Wide Receiver has no star power, and depth is a question as well.  Tre Tucker, Jalen Nailor and Jack Bech are starters. Malik Benson has played well enough to be the next man up along with veterans Dont'e Thornton and Dareke Young.

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Thursday night will provide some answers with the first live action coming.