NFL Player News

Coach Klint Kubiak said after Thursday's preseason game against the 49ers that he hasn't made a decision between Cousins and rookie first overall pick Fernando Mendoza regarding who will be the Week 1 starting quarterback, Vincent Bonsignore of the California Post reports.

Cousins opened training camp as the Raiders' starting QB and has been listed as No. 1 on the depth chart throughout camp and exhibition season. On Thursday, he started and completed eight of 11 passes for 51 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions, which seemingly wasn't enough to lock down the job over Mendoza. As a result, this situation remains the top lingering job battle in advance of Week 1.

Cousins completed eight of 11 passes for 51 yards in the Raiders' 18-12 preseason loss to the 49ers on Thursday.

The Raiders' presumptive starting quarterback to open the 2026 season drew the start and led the Raiders to field goals on each of his two drives. Cousins' longest completion was a relatively modest 14-yard connection with Tre Tucker, and he also hit top target Brock Bowers for the first time in a game setting for a six-yard gain on the opening possession. Cousins was also efficient in his other preseason appearance against the Cardinals two games ago, seemingly leaving him ready to face off with the Dolphins at home in a Week 1 matchup on Sunday, Sept. 13.

Schooler (undisclosed) could be activated off the active/non-football injury list before Sunday's cutdown day, Mark Daniels of MassLive.com reports.

Schooler was placed on the non-football injury list in late July and has not yet participated in team activities. If the free safety is not ready to be activated by Sunday, he will be required to miss at least the first four games of the regular season on injured reserve.

Landry (undisclosed) could be activated off the active/PUP list before Sunday's roster cutdowns, Mark Daniels of MassLive.com reports.

Landry opened training camp on the active/PUP list in late July. The starting linebacker has a chance to be activated before Sunday's cutdown, but if he isn't, he will be forced to sit out at least the first four games of the regular season on injured reserve. If Landry is unavailable Week 1 against the Seahawks, Gabe Jacas or Bradyn Swinson will likely start opposite Dre'Mont Jones on the edge.

Bowers secured one of two targets for six yards in the Raiders' 18-12 preseason loss to the 49ers on Thursday.

The talented tight end logged only one snap in the preseason opener against the Cardinals on Aug. 13 and then was rested for last Thursday's game against the Texans, so Bowers' catch goes down as his first and only stat from exhibition season. After an injury-impacted 2025, Bowers is back to full health and will serve as the top target in the Raiders offense to begin the campaign. Bowers next takes the field in a Week 1 home matchup against the Dolphins on Sunday, Sept. 13.

Williams caught both of his targets for 55 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's 37-13 preseason loss to the Browns.

Williams scored New England's only touchdown on a 45-yard catch in the first quarter. The 2025 third-round pick has had an outstanding preseason, finding the end zone in each of the Patriots' three preseason games. Williams has earned a spot on the 53-man roster heading into the regular season, but he could have a hard time carving out consistent playing time in a WR room led by offseason additions A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, with DeMario Douglas and Mack Hollins also jostling for snaps.

Howard (head) is being evaluated for a potential concussion after Thursday's preseason finale against the Bills, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.

Howard played the entire first half, completing nine of his 15 pass attempts for 69 yards and two touchdowns with just one interception. The quarterback also took three sacks for 22 yards before exiting the game at the half. With Sunday's cutdown approaching, Drew Allar's nine of 18 for 88 yards and no touchdowns, picks or sacks may not have inspired much confidence either. The No. 3 role behind Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph may default to Allar if Howard is indeed suffering from a significant head injury.

Crawford (ankle) will not return to Thursday night's preseason finale against the 49ers, Ryan McFadden of ESPN.com reports.

Crawford exited late in the second half. The linebacker needed to be assisted off the field and was carted to the locker room from the blue tent. The third-round rookie appears to have a significant injury based on the precautions taken and may need to miss the beginning of the regular season.

Willis (concussion) has been ruled out for the remainder of Thursday's preseason matchup with the Raiders, Noah Furtado of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The tight end caught one pass for seven yards before leaving the game. The 2023 seventh-round pick is fighting for a roster spot with backups Jake Tonges and Luke Farrell Willis has seen action in each of the last three seasons with the 49ers, primarily on special teams.

Chatman (quadriceps) will not return to Thursday's preseason finale against the Patriots.

Chatman exited the game in the second quarter and was promptly ruled out. The former Jets defensive tackle is on the roster bubble as it is, and the injury increases the chances Chatman will be a victim of Sunday's cutdown day.