Patriots fullback Danny Vitale is pulling out of the 2020 NFL season due to concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic, his agent Leigh Steinberg told USA Today.
Steinberg did not share additional details about the decision, although Vitale and his wife, Caley, recently welcomed a newborn baby.
Vitale, who signed a one-year contract with the Patriots in March, will replace veteran James Develin, who retired this offseason as a result of complications following his season-ending neck injury. Before joining the Patriots, Vitale played two seasons with the Cleveland Browns and two with the Green Bay Packers. The 26-year-old Northwestern graduate appeared in 15 games with the Packers last season, catching seven passes for 97 yards and three first attempts.
With Vitale gone, fullback Jakob Johnson and rookie tight end Dalton Keene should have more opportunities to gain playing time.
Patriots guard Najee Toran is also choosing not to participate, according to the Boston Globeit’s Jim McBride. Toran, 24, spent last season in the New England practice squad.
The deadline for players to unsubscribe from the season is August 3. Players who voluntarily unsubscribe will receive a stipend of $ 150,000, while players who unsubscribe for medical reasons will receive $ 300,000.
The Patriots rookies and quarterbacks were expected to report to Gillette Stadium for the start of training camp on Monday, and the rest of the team would do so later this week.
On Sunday, the Patriots released nine players to reach the mandatory 80-person limit for camp. Now that Vitale and Toran have been excluded, there are two open places on the list. According to McBride, the Patriots have already filled one by re-signing wide receiver Will Hastings.
