Why Bill Belichick's 2020 challenge with New England Patriots continues to grow
The New England Patriots are now up to eight players who have opted out of the 2020 NFL season.
Among the notables to not risk playing football in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic were starting linebacker Dont’a Hightower, safety Patrick Chung and offensive tackle Marcus Cannon.
The opt-out deadline could be moved to Tuesday or Wednesday, a maneuvering by the league that hasn't sit well with Patriots safety Devin McCourty, who called it "an absolute joke."
McCourty, a two-time Pro Bowler, does intend to play this season. However, facing his first season with the Patriots in two decades without all-time great quarterback Tom Brady, as well as a thinning roster, Bill Belichick is facing quite a challenge to keep New England in its customary spot atop the AFC East.
Lamar Jackson is No. 1 in 'Top 100' countdown
The Baltimore Ravens quarterback and reigning league MVP was voted by his peers as the league's best player, it was revealed on NFL Network last week.
Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson, Los Angeles Rams DT Aaron Donald, Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes and New Orleans Saints WR Michael Thomas rounded out the top five.
The NFL news never stops:
- Doug Pederson: The Eagles' head coach is the second NFL head coach to test positive for the coronavirus.
- Antonio Brown: The wide receiver is still without a team, but did earn an eight-game suspension on Saturday.
- Drew Brees: The Saints quarterback has licked a nasty habit with regard to COVID-19 precautions.
- Matthew Stafford: The Lions quarterback became the biggest-name player to go on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Saturday.
- Gardner Minshew: The Jaguars' starting quarterback was placed on the team's reserve/COVID-19 list on Sunday.
- Dolphins' 'geezer' QB: Self-proclaimed "geezer" Ryan Fitzpatrick pledges to help "likable" rookie Tua Tagovailoa adjust to the NFL.
- David Njoku: The Browns tight end "has decided to give the team his full commitment" and rescinded his trade request.
- Joey Bosa: The Chargers edge rusher became the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history after signing a five-year extension.
- Fall without football: Safely conducting an NFL or college football season might prove to be too difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Opt-out tracker: Here is a full list of the NFL players who will be sitting out the 2020 season amid coronavirus concerns.
Fantasy football: Time to prep for that draft
NFL teams are opening training camps, which means it's also time for you to begin preparations for fantasy football domination this season. From No. 1 (Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey) to No. 200 (Buccaneers WR Justin Watson), here are the top 200 players for 2020.
Join our NFL Facebook group!
Like talking football? So do we! The time is now to join The Ruling Off the Field, and engage in friendly debate and conversation with fellow football fans and our NFL insiders. Do the right thing, sign up now!