NFL News: Raiders Name Kirk Cousins Starter, 49ers Injury Updates

Raiders Tab Cousins Over Rookie Mendoza

Entering their first season under head coach Klint Kubiak, the Raiders opted for stability and familiarity. Kubiak stated throughout the offseason that he envisioned Cousins taking the majority of the snaps, and Wednesday’s announcement made that plan official. Cousins brings a decade-plus of starting experience across the Washington Commanders, Minnesota Vikings, and Atlanta Falcons. His prior history working with Kubiak in Minnesota heavily influenced the coaching staff’s comfort level.

Developmental Plan Set for Mendoza

Meanwhile, the franchise is mapping out a developmental trajectory for Mendoza. According to Kubiak, the rookie will log early work, late work, and extra meeting hours, while also running the look team alongside coaches Sullivan and Janocko. Mendoza becomes the first No. 1 overall draft pick to open his rookie season as a backup since Baker Mayfield in 2018.

Cowboys Restructure Depth Behind Prescott

Farther south, the Dallas Cowboys altered their quarterback depth chart on Wednesday by signing Joe Milton back to the practice squad after he cleared waivers. Milton was initially released to accommodate running back Emari Demercado, a transaction that locked in Sam Howell as the primary backup to starting quarterback Dak Prescott.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer pointed to Howell’s execution during training camp and preseason matchups as the decisive factor. Milton spent the 2025 season as Prescott’s backup following a trade with the New England Patriots, putting up a solid preseason stat line of 378 passing yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions before Howell ultimately won the job based on his 18 career regular-season starts and one-year free-agent deal.

49ers Get Medical Boost Ahead of Australia Trip

In San Francisco, the 49ers received encouraging medical news regarding two cornerstone players as they board a 16-hour flight to Melbourne, Australia, for their September 10 season opener against the Los Angeles Rams. Defensive end Nick Bosa participated in a full practice on Wednesday for the first time since tearing his right ACL in Week 3 of last season.

Bosa navigated a minor training camp hurdle involving knee tendinitis before returning to individual drills and team periods. He and tight end George Kittle—who continues recovering from a torn right Achilles suffered during January’s playoff win—are both traveling with the team. When asked by reporters if he would suit up in Australia, Bosa kept his cards close to the vest but noted his practice performance felt very productive. To mitigate the physical toll of the long-haul flight, Bosa outlined a recovery regimen utilizing compression machines and ice ahead of the team’s four scheduled practices abroad.

Vikings Clarify McCarthy’s Future Status

Minnesota Vikings General Manager Nolan Teasley addressed the long-term outlook for third-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy on Wednesday. Despite losing the starting competition to Kyler Murray—who is set to make his debut against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium—McCarthy will remain on the active roster.

Teasley praised the former first-round pick’s professionalism and commitment to supporting his teammates since joining the franchise. While Teasley declined to specify the immediate depth chart pecking order between McCarthy and veteran Carson Wentz, he expressed confidence in McCarthy’s future with the organization.

Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.