NFL players whose Week 1 status is in question

With the NFL season now less than a month away, teams are ramping up preparations for their Week 1 matchups in early September. But not every roster is heading into the opener at full strength. Several franchises are already dealing with injuries, and some with players facing pending investigations. MORE: 5 most improved NFL offenses entering 2026-2027 season With that in mind, here’s a look at some players worth monitoring ahead of Week 1. Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts Getting much-needed ankle surgery before camp even began, Alec Pierce remains sidelined for the preseason as Colts fans and the front office are expecting the highly paid WR1 to be ready for Week 1. While fans may not get a glimpse of him until closer to the start of the season, it’s in the Colts’ best interest to make sure Pierce is 100% before letting him off the leash. Breece Hall, New York Jets Jets lead running back Breece Hall left practice on Monday due to a groin injury, but is still expected to suit up for Week 1’s match against Tennessee. New York will play it safe by letting the veteran rest up for the next 2-3 weeks and miss the remainder of camp, which was the best-case scenario for the Jets. Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers Dealing with muscle tightness rather than any contractual issue, the 49ers’ injury woes have been a major highlight of their offseason, and losing their star running back, Christian McCaffrey, would only spell doom for 2026. As McCaffrey takes a few days off to deal with the tightness, fans will continue to monitor their workhorse’s status as we creep up to the NFL season. Jeremiyah Love, Arizona Cardinals Getting shut down until Week 1, Cardinals’ rookie running back Jeremiyah Love suffered a high ankle sprain against the Las Vegas Raiders to start the preseason. Now, Arizona will have to remain hopeful that his Week 1 status is not in jeopardy, as they will likely keep their No. 3 overall pick off the field until closer to the NFL season’s start. Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers Packers starting running back Josh Jacobs could find himself on the couch for a few weeks this season as the NFL is still deciding whether or not to discipline Jacobs for his arrest in May. While all charges against Jacobs were dropped following the arrest, ESPN’s Adam Schefter has already stated the league may still come down on Jacobs and other NFL stars for their offseason behavior. Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears Hurting his knee during a training cap drill, Bears running back Kyle Monangai may not be ready to go by Week 1, although Chicago remains optimistic with the season opener still three weeks away. Bears head coach Ben Johnson has stated they will monitor the injury “week to week,” but it is still unlikely Chicago will utilize Monangai for the remainder of the preseason. Luther Burden III, Chicago Bears Suffering a groin injury during training camp, Luther Burden III is expected to be out for 3-4 weeks, which could jeopardize his Week 1 start against Carolina. Jun 11, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) stretches during Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters) Still, a return is not out of the question, but Chicago will play it day to day, as the receiver will likely remain sidelined for now. Malik Nabers, New York Giants Expected to bounce back from last season’s scary ACL and meniscus tear, Giants’ wide receiver Malik Nabers is on track to play Week 1 of the NFL season, as he continues to gear up at training camp with limited contact. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs Coming back from a torn ACL that happened in Week 15 of the 2025 season, Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes was cleared for training camp by head coach Andy Reid at the end of July and is expected to start in Week 1’s matchup against the Denver Broncos. The Chiefs will remain cautious with the 2-time NFL MVP, but if all signs continue to remain positive, then Kansas City will have 15 under center to kick off the season. Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams Puka Nacua may also be on the end of a Week 1 suspension following his offseason antics that include antisemitic comments and a civil lawsuit from a New Year’s Eve incident. Although the receiver underwent rehab before training camp, the NFL is still investigating Nacua, which could lead to a suspension this upcoming season. — Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —