Five NFL players face potential role changes following Week 1 performances

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Sep 7, 2026, 7:10 PM

Last updated Sep 7, 2026

Five NFL players face potential role changes following Week 1 performances
Summary

Several NFL starters enter the opening week of the season with reduced job security as coaching staffs evaluate early performance. Baltimore Ravens receiver Devontez Walker faces pressure from rookie Ja’Kobi Lane, while Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson could be replaced by Shedeur Sanders after a difficult preseason. The New York Jets may increase targets for rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq at the expense of Mason Taylor. In Dallas, defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku competes with first-round pick Malachi Lawrence for snaps on the edge. Meanwhile, Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski has not fully committed to veteran Tua Tagovailoa, leaving the door open for Michael Penix Jr. to assume the starting role. These roster decisions rely on the ability of established starters to maintain their positions during initial game action.

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Key Details
  • Ja’Kobi Lane pushes Devontez Walker for receiver snaps in Baltimore
  • Shedeur Sanders remains a candidate to replace Deshaun Watson in Cleveland
  • Kenyon Sadiq could see a larger role at tight end for the New York Jets
  • Malachi Lawrence challenges Donovan Ezeiruaku for a starting defensive end role in Dallas
  • Michael Penix Jr. waits behind Tua Tagovailoa as the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback
Latest Updates
  • 7:10 PMYahoo Sports5 NFL Players Who Could Get Benched in Week 1
What they're saying
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NFL players have been fighting all summer long to earn a starting role. Yet, just because they may have secured […]

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