The deadline for players to opt out for the 2020 season because of the coronavirus came and went Thursday without any Cardinals choosing to sit. It means that only right tackle Marcus Gilbert, who declared his intentions earlier this week, opted out for the team.
Players can still opt out later if they develop a high-risk issue, or if a family member either passes away or is hospitalized with COVID-19.
The Cardinals still have not had to place anyone on the reserve/COVID-19 list, which is set up for players who either have tested positive or are quarantined after coming in contact with someone who has the virus.
A total of 69 players opted out across the NFL.
Players that opted out because of a high-risk situation -- as Gilbert did -- can receive a stipend of $350,000. That is essentially a salary. If a player opted out without a high-risk issue, they are eligible only for a $150,000 payout this year, and it counts as a salary advance toward their 2021 pay and is owed back to the team.
