I don't know why you would suspect injectors. Have you done a compression test? What color smoke? What does it smell like?
Getting new injectors is about the same price as getting them rebuilt, probably cheaper.

I suggested injectors because he has to use flood clearing mode to start the engine.

It was mentioned that this issue could be a leaking injector. The smoke is greyish. I think it smells like gasoline/ethanol. I have not done a compression test. Today on the second start there was no smoke and the engine started better. Seems to be intermittent.

Could it be bad sparkplugs?

Spark plugs are not intermittent.

Have you looked at the coolant level under the pressure cap?

I’m thinking possibly clean the throttle body and MAF sensor, ensure the correct spark plugs are installed, AC Delco 41-103 , whilst you have the plugs out do a compression test , and test fuel pump pressure , check how clean the air filter is.
would even go as far as removing the valve cover and having a look at the timing chain for slack , which should set a code in the OBDII light.

Sorry if I missed it but have you scanned for codes?

Nope no mention of codes yet.

I have not checked the coolant level but I will. There are still no codes. I do not own a pressure tester but I think I will get one.

I was wondering if the throttle body might be part of the problem as well as the MAF sensor. The timing chain was replaced in 2022 but of course it could have slack now.

Are the 2.4L spark plugs difficult to remove? There are quite a few miles on the current spark plugs so I should probably put in a new set.

The car started better today each time and ran smoothly with plenty of power. There was no smoke that I could see.

Would fuel injector cleaner be helpful?

The plugs are straight forward, remove the air filter box and then the coils to reveal the plugs. Careful do not try to gap the new plugs.
remove the rubber elbow to expose the throttle body and spray with throttle body cleaner, not carb cleaner or brake cleaner. Do not move the throttle plate manually, the plastic gears will strip very easily.
fuel injector cleaner might help as would a tank or 2 or premium fuel.
If the timing chain was just changed it should be just fine.