LAS VEGAS -- Coach Klint Kubiak declined to name a starting quarterback for the third consecutive week following the Raiders' 18-12 preseason loss to the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium. Despite the silence, usage patterns strongly indicate Kirk Cousins will start the Week 1 matchup against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 13.

Cousins played two drives with the projected starters, producing two Matt Gay field goals. He finished 8-of-11 for 51 yards and an 82.0 passer rating. Over two preseason games, the veteran is 13-of-17 for 101 yards with a touchdown. Cousins remains unfazed by the lack of announcement, stating he focuses on daily preparation.

Conversely, No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza struggled in relief. Entering late in the first quarter, he threw his second interception of the preseason on his second snap, a pass that bounced off Jalen Nailor's hands to linebacker Tatum Bethune. Kubiak faulted Nailor for the drop. Mendoza completed just 7 of 14 passes for 57 yards with a 31.0 rating, absorbing two sacks and six pressures. Kubiak acknowledged the rookie needs more development time, noting practice reps will dwindle once the regular season begins.