A growing list of players with the New England Patriots are putting safety first and opting out of the 2020 NFL season.
Three-time Super Bowl champion Dont'a Hightower and long-time tackle Marcus Cannon both confirmed on Tuesday they wouldn't play this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Marcus Cannon, a 32-year-old tackle with two Super Bowl wins under his belt, also chose to opt out due to him having a high risk due to preexisting medical conditions, his agent told CNN.
Patrick Chung, the team's starting safety, told ESPN.com's Mike Reiss he'd opt out as well.
The three players join running backs Brandon Bolden and Danny Vitale, as well as offensive linemen Najee Toran in sitting this one out, according to ESPN, meaning the Patriots account for approximately one-third of all players who have said they would opt out.