The Patriots, starting right tackle Marcus Cannon, intends to opt out of the 2020 season due to concerns about playing in the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Herald reported.
According to a source, Cannon has seriously considered choosing not to participate in the past few days, often discussing the possibility with his family. Along with the other Patriots veterans, Cannon was expected to report to Gillette Stadium on Tuesday for the COVID-19 test. However, as of Monday night, Cannon now plans to miss the season entirely.
The 32-year-old would have played his tenth season starting this September. As a rookie, Cannon overcame Non-Hodgkins lymphoma before launching a long professional career. He was diagnosed shortly before being selected in the fifth round of the 2011 draft outside of TCU.
Since then, Cannon has proven to be a consistent starter on the Pats’ offensive line. He started 15 games last year, missing one due to a shoulder injury. His best season came in 2016, when he got the go-ahead from All-Pro.
Cannon is expected to become the third Patriot to opt out of the 2020 season, after fullback Danny Vitale and offensive guard Najee Toran on Monday.
His departure will be a blow to the Pats’ offensive line, which is in short supply of proven tackle depth.
After starting left tackle Isaiah Wynn, the list includes Korey Cunningham, Yodny Cajuste, a 2019 draft pick who spent last year in the injured reserve, and 2020 sixth-round pick Justin Herron. While Cunningham has a bit of tackle experience (seven NFL game appearances), Cajuste and Herron have none. The only other lineman with notable tackling experience is left guard Joe Thuney, who is both a professional and a professional shooting guard.
The Pats could also acquire a tackle through the trade or sign one off the street, as they did last season with Marshall Newhouse after Cannon fell in Week 1.
Patriots offensive line coaches Cole Popovich and Carmen Bricillo now have their hands full solving the starting line as they replace legendary assistant Dante Scarnecchia.
