Notable Rookies Making Their NFL Debuts in Week 1 of 2018
One of the most exciting parts of Week 1 is that we get to see rookies make their NFL debuts. We will track some notable rookies in action for Week 1 and update this post throughout the day.
Saquon Barkley, RB, Giants
Giants vs. Jaguars, 1 p.m. ET
Barkley got off to a slow start with eight carries for 12 yards in the first half, but he broke out for an electric 68-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. He finished with 18 carries for 106 yards, plus two catches for 22 yards in a loss.
Watch: Giants Rookie RB Saquon Barkley Sprints 68 Yards For First NFL Touchdown
Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens
Raves vs. Bills, 1 p.m. Sunday
Joe Flacco got the start for the Ravens at quarterback, but Jackson was used in the first half, split out wide and taking direct snaps. Once the Ravens went up 40–0, he took over for Flacco. He finished the game 1-for-4 for 24 yards, plus he had seven carries for 39 yards.
Josh Allen, QB, Bills
Bills at Ravens, 1 p.m. Sunday
Allen started the season on the bench, as Nathan Peterman got the start for the Bills. With the Bills down 40–0, Allen made his debut under center. He finished 6-for-15 for 74 yards and no touchdowns or interceptions. He also ran four times for 26 yards.
Nick Chubb, RB, Browns
Browns vs. Steelers, 1 p.m. ET
Chubb had a quiet day with just three carries for 21 yards. Both Duke Johnson and Carlos Hyde got carries before him. His only carry of the first half lost one yard.
Denzel Ward, CB, Browns
Browns vs. Steelers, 1 p.m. ET
The fourth overall pick intercepted Ben Roethlisberger twice in the first half.
Baker Mayfield, QB, Browns
Browns vs. Steelers, 1 p.m. ET
Mayfield started the season on the bench, as Tyrod Taylor got the start for the Browns.
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Royce Freeman, RB, Broncos
Broncos vs. Seahawks, 4:25 p.m. Sunday
Freeman had seven carries for 26 yards late in the first half.
Josh Rosen, QB, Cardinals
Cardinals vs. Redskins, 4:25 p.m. Sunday
Rosen started the season on the bench, as Sam Bradford got the start for the Cardinals
Sam Darnold, QB, Jets
Jets at Lions, 7:10 p.m. ET Monday
Darnold will become the youngest starting QB in NFL history when he gets the Week 1 start on Monday night.
Kerryon Johnson, RB, Lions
Lions vs. Jets, 7:10 p.m. Monday
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