We’re less than a week away from Week 1 of the NFL season, and there are a number of household names on the hot seat with their respective teams.
Whether it’s competition for work from teammates or silencing injury concerns, the following players have something to prove, and in some cases it needs to happen in short order.
10 Notable NFL Players on the Hot Seat
Trey Lance, QB, San Francisco 49ers
As if Lance wasn’t already a question mark given his limited experience as a starting quarterback. The pressure is on with San Fran trading at just +1600 at various sportsbooks to win Super Bowl LVII, and the 49ers and backup signal caller Jimmy Garoppolo restructuring a one-year contract to keep him with the team this season.
Garoppolo led the Niners to the NFC Championship Game last season and the Super Bowl in 2019, and his 47 career starts position him as one of the most experienced No. 2 quarterbacks in the league.
If Lance doesn’t hit the ground running and prove he’s capable of leading an NFL offense, Garoppolo has shown he can take the 49ers deep in the postseason.
Mitchell Trubisky, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
While head coach Mike Tomlin remains steadfast on withholding who his Week 1 starting quarterback will be, it’ll probably be Trubisky behind center to start the year and not rookie Kenny Pickett.
Trubisky completed 24 of 34 attempts for 283 yards and two touchdowns without throwing an interception, and by all accounts did nothing to lose the starting gig.
Still, Pickett is a consensus +900 and among the favorites to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award at major sportsbooks, so bookmakers are obviously anticipating him to see plenty of action this season.
Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Dallas Cowboys
The 27-year-old rusher has had his two worst statistical and PFF grades the past two years for the Cowboys, while versatile running back Tony Pollard is coming off his best showing, including grading as the fourth-best halfback in the NFL according to PFF.
Add in the long-term loss of eight-time Pro Bowl left tackle Tyron Smith due to an avulsion fracture in his left knee, and Elliott’s outlook is even murkier. FanDuel Sportsbook moved Elliott's rushing yards prop from 850.5 to 800.5 following the announcement of Smith’s injury.
Barring injury, Elliott is going to be an important part of the Dallas offense, but his touches and targets could take a hit if Pollard proves to be the better option out of the backfield.