The NFL will look a lot different this summer as teams prepare for the regular season.
It seems more and more likely there will be 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 stop 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.
Earlier in the week we noted players who could be hurt by that. On the flip side, there are some players who could benefit from it.
Here are five Patriots who could benefit from no preseason games and a shortened training camp.
Jarrett Stidham -- While it certainly doesn't benefit his development as a quarterback, it could potentially benefit him while competing with Cam Newton for the starting job. Having the advantage of the entire offseason to learn the Patriots playbook and language even more than he did as a rookie, he certainly enters training camp with an advantage over Newton. The second-year player could have used as many practice reps as possible to help grow, but when choosing a Patriots QB who would benefit from no preseason games it would be Stidham.
Deatrich Wise -- The veteran defensive end was on the bubble to make the roster last summer, so could be in danger again this summer. But, the changed summer gives players like Wise an advantage over rookies and younger players who teams do not have much information on. It might be harder to keep a rookie at the position over Wise just because of the unknown with that player compared to the known with Wise.
Sony Michel -- Michel had offseason ankle surgery and it was unknown if he would be ready for the start of training camp, but given how things are shaking out it may not even matter. Players will not be in full pads after a few days, as the first few weeks will be more about strength and conditioning. This definitely helps Michel ensure that he doesn't miss anything and can use the extra time to make sure he's as healthy as possible. The Georgia product may start to feel some pressure this season from second-year running back Damien Harris.
Mohamed Sanu -- While he only has half a season in the Patriots system, he does have a great deal of NFL experience. This likely gives him an advantage over the younger wide receivers on the roster. And then Sanu probably has an advantage over the newly signed receivers -- Marqise Lee and Damiere Byrd -- because his time with the organization last season. Sanu had the potential to be a surprise cut given his $6.5 million cap hit, but given how the summer will look, he likely will be safe given his experience.
Matt LaCosse -- New England drafted two tight ends this offseason, but it may take awhile for them to get up to speed with the Patriots offense. This not only will help LaCosse make the roster, but maybe have more of a role than expected earlier in the season. Even though he battled some injuries last season, he was still around for the entire season, which is very valuable given what is to come this summer.
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