As training camp gets closer and closer, it appears the NFL is trending towards not having a preseason at all.
The latest NFL proposal calls for no preseason games and then a long ramp up before players can wear pads and even helmets due to no spring workouts. The players want to ensure they are doing everything they can to prevent injuries on top of doing what they can to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
With that being said, not having any preseason games and practice sessions with full pads being cut back, it will have an impact on certain players when it comes to not just making a roster, but also carving out a role.
Here are five Patriots players who will be impacted if the NFL takes away the preseason all together.
Cam Newton
Joining the Patriots so late in the offseason, Newton would have benefited from as many practices and preseason games as possible. He's coming to a completely different system so he will need to learn that on the fly and also develop chemistry with his new teammates. Not all that can be accomplished in virtual meetings and walkthroughs.
Damien Harrris
Harris was in a position to potentially see more reps early in training camp with Sony Michel perhaps not being ready due to having offseason foot surgery. Harris is looking to make a good impression on the coaching staff to give him a chance to show what he can do in actual games. The Alabama product played in only two games last season and the team returns everyone at the position from a year ago. Some impressive showings in the preseason could have made the Patriots more likely to give him a shot at when the games count. Now, the team could potentially just go with what it knows in Michel.
Jakobi Meyers/Gunner Olszewski
With the Patriots bringing in veterans Marqise Lee and Damiere Byrd this offseason, these young wide receivers are competing for a roster spot. The Patriots could potentially give the edge to the veterans with limited work just because they have actual NFL experience. While these two undrafted rookies made the team last year, it might be harder this time around.
Kyle Dugger
Coming from D-II Lenoir Rhyne, the Patriots' first overall draft pick could use all the work he can get this summer when it comes to getting used to the speed of the NFL. He figured to play a ton in the preseason games, but he won't get that opportunity. Dugger is behind Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung on the depth chart, so the preseason could have been his most extensive playing time of the season. This could potentially slow his development.
All undrafted rookies
The Patriots' streak of 16 straight seasons of an undrafted rookie making the initial 53-man roster may come to an end. This is because these players simply won't get a ton of chances of showing what they can do and are deserving to make the team. A lot of the time these players have stood out in the preseason games, and that won't be the case this year. Across the league rookies will be at a major disadvantage this summer.
