Baltimore Ravens return specialist De’Anthony Thomas won’t play football in 2020 after using the league’s voluntary opt-out clause due to COVID-19, according to the team’s Twitter account. The move is one of several the Ravens made the day before the entire team is expected to report for training camp.
Thomas isn’t the first player to opt out of the 2020 season, following in the shoes of Kansas City Chiefs right guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif. Baltimore also placed UDFA safety Nigel Warrior on the reserve/COVID-19 list over the weekend, making the team’s second roster adjustment due to the virus ahead of training camp.
The NFL and NFLPA have agreed to allow players to opt out of the season, according to Mike Jones of USA TODAY Sports. The opt-outs fall into two categories: high-risk and voluntary. Thomas’ decision will mean he’s unable to play at all this season, after re-signing with Baltimore on a one-year deal to compete as their return specialist.
The Ravens signed Thomas last season after seeing their return game struggle with limited production and turnovers. Over eight games with Baltimore, Thomas returned 13 punts for 93 yards and 10 kickoffs for 166 yards. Thomas was expected to compete for the return specialist job in training camp before opting out. The competition will now likely turn to guys like Chris Moore, Willie Snead, James Duvernay, and James Proche.
