The NFL is scheduled to begin voluntary offseason workouts begin next week and a few teams have already had statements from their players released saying they will not be participating due to COVID-19 concerns.
The Patriots are now one of those teams, although their statement does not say all players will not be participating, rather "many" will not be.
"In solidarity with other players across the NFL and in interest of our health and safety, many of us at the New England Patriots will be exercising our right not to attend voluntary workouts this offseason," the statement begins. "The NFL has yet to agree on the full details of a plan for players despite the fact we are a few short days away from the start of voluntary workouts. The threat of COVID-19 is still serious in are community and across the country, and we think it is safer for everyone if we choose to workout on our own. While we understand that some players will need to go for various reasons and some safety measures have been put in place, we know that NFL players have a choice which our union bargained for.
"We saw the heath and safety benefits that a fully virtual offseason had on our fellow players last year. As experienced professionals who love the game, we know how to prepare our minds and bodies for a NFL season and look forward to working hard in pursuit of a Super Bowl this coming season."
As of now, minicamp in early June is still mandatory.
Teams who have already had statements saying their players will not be participating at all in voluntary workouts are the Buccaneers, Broncos, Seahawks and Lions.