Gary Landers/Associated Press
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is living rent-free in the minds of his competition, which provides his team with an edge despite multiple departures that greatly affect the roster's makeup.
Six players—linebacker Dont'a Hightower, safety Patrick Chung, right tackle Marcus Cannon, running back Brandon Bolden, fullback Danny Vitale and reserve offensive lineman Najee Toran—have decided to opt out of the 2020 season before the start of training camp because of concerns about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss.
Three key performers, two contributors and a potential reserve are not with the organization, which could prove to be a major hindrance.