Raiders rumors: Insider predicts when Fernando Mendoza will take over for Kirk Cousins

One ESPN insider had a prediction on when Fernando Mendoza will take over for Kirk Cousins as the Las Vegas Raiders' starting QB.

A 3-0 start for the Las Vegas Raiders has given way to four straight losses. Now at 3-4, the calls for top overall pick Fernando Mendoza to take over as the Raiders' starting quarterback have grown louder. However, it doesn't look as if Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak will make that switch anytime soon. According to ESPN insider Dan Graziano, Las Vegas isn't ready to give up on their season and make the move at signal caller.

“At 3-4, the Raiders are a game and a half out of an AFC playoff spot at this point, ahead of this week's cross-country trip to play the struggling Jets,” wrote Graziano. “They aren't ready to give up on their season. And while swapping Mendoza in for Cousins may not constitute a give-up per se, the point here is for the situation to be as good around Mendoza as possible once they make that move. They don't believe they're there yet.”

Close losses to a pair of AFC contenders in the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills have shown that Kubiak's efforts have not been in vain. While a disheartening 45-17 loss to the New England Patriots a couple weeks ago led to Mendoza's NFL debut, Cousins has been solid in his first year with the Raiders. The veteran threw for over 300 yards in both losses to the Chiefs and Bills, while his 16-5 touchdown to interception ratio has shown that he can still take care of the football.

Other than in the Raiders' Week 1 27-13 win over the Miami Dolphins, Cousins has not had a multi-interception outing. The 38-year-old was signed to be Mendoza's mentor. His play this season has kept the Raiders afloat. Before their Week 13 bye, Las Vegas has four road matchups, with trips to New Jersey to take on the New York Jets and San Francisco to play the 49ers upcoming in the next two weeks. A win over the Jets would put Vegas right back at .500. Can Cousins lead the Raiders to a playoff appearance in his first season with the silver and black? If so, don't be surprised to not see more of Mendoza until potentially next fall.

A 3-0 start for the Las Vegas Raiders has given way to four straight losses. Now at 3-4, the calls for top overall pick Fernando Mendoza to take over as the Raiders' starting quarterback have grown louder. However, it doesn't look as if Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak will make that switch anytime soon.