Marcus Cannon Opts Out of 2020 Season
COVID continues to rear it’s ugly head in the world. It’s not bad enough that we’ve been a part of a global pandemic since March. Now, it’s affecting sports trying to make a comeback. It’s making professional athletes make the tough decision to play or not to play this season. With the NFL set to start training camp, athletes can choose to opt out of 2020. For the Patriots, it’s a season of uncertainty even without COVID. Well, they’re going to be without their starting offensive tackle as Marcus Cannon decided to opt out of the 2020 season.
Updated news story: Starting right tackle Marcus Cannon decides to opt out of the 2020 season (via @JFowlerESPN, confirming @985TheSportsHub & @kguregian). Cannon becomes the third Patriots player to opt out. https://t.co/g66lmJip9B
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) July 28, 2020
With this news coming out, there are a few things to take a look at.
That’s the Third Patriot to Opt Out
Marcus Cannon is not the only New England Patriot to opt out. The Patriots also had acquired fullback Danny Vitale also choose to sit the season out. There was also reserve offensive lineman Najee Toran. This isn’t just a coincidence. This could very well be a sign of things to come. Sure, Massachusetts has been doing a pretty solid job of doing their part with all of this COVID protocol. But you can’t be too careful. Also keep in mind, Cannon was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma shortly before he was drafted in 2011. This thing is serious and Cannon cannot be too careful, given his past.
The Patriots Line Takes a Hit
I was expecting a line of Cannon, Isaiah Wynn, David Andrews, Shaq Mason and Joe Thuney. That is a solid offensive line for the Patriots. Cannon being out now takes a big hit. Korey Cunningham is a potential replacement, but a lot of Pats fans wouldn’t be too happy with that option.
Will There be a Season?
I’m starting to get worried. The NFL is tough because there is consistent contact every play. You can’t socially distance in football. Cannon is taking all of this into precaution. Will all of the other players make the same decision? Or at least a majority of them? We could see a pattern occurring very soon.
In Conclusion
It stinks to see Cannon not play this season. But he has to make the best decision for himself and his family. I’m sure I speak for a lot of people when I say I can’t wait for COVID to end and a vaccine to be created. When that day comes, we can finally enjoy life and sports normally again. Until then, expect a lot more names to opt out of the 2020 NFL season like Cannon has already done.
-Al Nahigian (@BigAl2793)
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