Dont’a Hightower, Marcus Cannon are among 5 Patriots opting out of 2020

New England Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower, tackle Marcus Cannon, fullback Danny Vitale, guard Najee Toran and running back Brandon Bolden have decided not to play during the 2020 NFL season due to coronavirus concerns.

Hightower, a former first round-pick, longstanding starter and major contributor to New England’s defense, released a statement to explain why he’s skipping this season.

“Me and my fiancée are just more concerned with the health of our family than football — especially the new addition (of a baby boy) to our family,” he wrote Tuesday, via NFL Network.

Hightower’s position group may look thin without him, particularly after linebackers Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins and Elandon Roberts departed in free agency. New England will likely look to veterans Brandon Copeland and Ja’Whaun Bentley and rookies Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings for major contributions.

Cannon, meanwhile, is a survivor of Non-Hodgkins’ lymphoma. He discussed the matter with his family at great length, and decided against playing, according to the Boston Herald. The risk of coronavirus is too great. He’ll leave behind a tackle group which includes Isaiah Wynn, Yodny Cajuste, Korey Cunningham and Justin Herron. Guard Joe Thuney can also play tackle, if necessary.

Vitale, like Hightower, recently welcomed a child into his family, and has elected not to play in 2020 for that reason, according to multiple reports. His departure will thrust veteran Jakob Johnson and rookie Dalton Keene into potentially major roles.