Raiders’ podcast: Competition high and fierce as training camp starts in Henderson

Raiders’ podcast: Competition high and fierce as training camp starts in Henderson The Las Vegas Raiders opened training camp at their Henderson facility on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, with several positions still up for grabs as the team prepares for the season opener against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 13 at Allegiant Stadium and a preseason home game versus the Arizona Cardinals on Aug. 13. New head coach Klint Kubiak emphasized that competition will drive every roster decision. “For each position, there’s got to be competition,” Kubiak said shortly after players reported to the facility Tuesday morning. “The best player has to play.” The Sun’s Case Keefer and Ray Brewer dissected the battles in the inaugural Raiders‑centric sports podcast of the new season. A central topic was whether veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins should be handed the starting role over rookie wide‑receiver Fernando Mendoza, the team’s first‑round draft pick. Kubiak named Cousins the starter for the first day of practice but stopped short of guaranteeing the job beyond that. “I would say in the evaluation process that he stood head and shoulders above others that I’ve been around,” Kubiak said of Mendoza. “But that doesn’t guarantee you anything on Sunday. So, it’s a head start, it gives him a chance to go out and have a heck of a practice, but it’s really what he does on the field that’s going to determine his fate.” Other quarterback contenders include long‑shot Aidan O’Connell, whom Kubiak consistently includes in backfield discussions. At wide receiver, free‑agent acquisition Jalen Nailor and incumbent Tre Tucker are projected as the top two, though they could face pressure from second‑year players Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton Jr., as well as rookie summer standout Malik Benson. On the offensive line, highly paid center Tyler Linderbaum and left tackle Kolton Miller are expected to lock in spots if healthy, while the remaining three interior positions remain open. A mix of Jackson Powers‑Johnson, Spencer Burford, DJ Glaze, Caleb Rogers, Charles Grant, Jordan Meredith and Trey Zuhn could fill those roles, potentially not at their original preferred spots. “I’m looking for guys that are great teammates, that are obviously solid in pass protection, excellent in the run game, and guys that just help make the team better,” Kubiak explained. “The best athlete isn’t the one that’s going to win the job. It’s the guy that plays the best with the other five around him. And then, offensive line‑wise, unless you’re playing tackle, you better be able to play multiple spots. So, having versatile guys is very important.” Kubiak offered reassurance to fans, stating the full‑speed ready to begin camp. That group includes rookie cornerback Jermod McCoy, whose draft stock slipped after missing last season with a torn ACL, and star edge rusher Maxx Crosby, who is returning from knee surgery. A proposed trade sending Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens collapsed in March after the Raiders said he failed a physical. The fallout continues, and the podcast also examined whether Las Vegas should retain Crosby for the full season or pursue another trade. For complete coverage, check out the full show and stay tuned to lasvegassun.com for updates from Raiders training camp.