The New England Patriots had a seventh player opt out of the 2020 NFL season when Marqise Lee informed the team Saturday he would not play this fall. That number is now eight. Field Yates of ESPN reported Pats tight end Matt LaCosse is opting out of the 2020 season.

LaCosse played in 11 games for the Patriots last season, finishing the year with 13 receptions for 131 yards and a touchdown.

These Patriots players have opted out mostly due to family reasons.

Lee said on Saturday he felt he would not be able to give 100 percent effort to Patriots head coach Bill Belichick given all the unknowns surrounding COVID-19 and how it might impact family life.

Patriots defensive back Patrick Chung also indicated he felt opting out was the best decision for the safety of his family. Linebacker Dont'a Hightower cited similar concerns after the former Pro Bowler became a first-time father in July.

Like Hightower, LaCosse is preparing for fatherhood. Mike Reiss, who covers the Patriots for ESPN, reported LaCosse's decision to opt out is based primarily on his wife, Jessica, who is pregnant and due to welcome their child sometime during the 2020 season.

It has become abundantly clear players around the league are weighing a number of factors as they grapple with playing in such an unprecedented season.

Belichick and the Patriots will have to fully embrace the “Do Your Job” mentality, as it will be next man up in New England.

The Patriots are hoping veteran quarterback Cam Newton can help establish some continuity as they prepare to move on from longtime signal-caller Tom Brady. But New England will have to find depth in a multitude of areas given the opt outs and a myriad of offseason losses.

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