Getting an NFL start varies in importance based on a player’s position. Starting a game as a quarterback puts their statistics in a completely different category. Starting a game as an offensive lineman generally means you’re poised to play 100% of the snaps on that side of the ball. On defense, outside cornerback and safety often fall into the category of the starter playing the entire game.
To be considered a starter for the game in the NFL, a player simply has to be on the field for either the first offensive or defensive snap of the game.