BOSTON — The number of New England Patriots who have decided to sit out the season because of concerns over the coronavirus continues to grow.

On Sunday, receiver Marqise Lee and tight end Matt LaCosse joined a list of six other Patriots players who have already declared their intentions to sit out this season.

Lee signed a one-year deal in April coming off two injury-filled seasons in Jacksonville. LaCosse is entering his second season in New England.

Linebacker Dont’a Hightower, safety Patrick Chung, tackles Marcus Cannon and Najee Toran, running back Brandon Bolden and fullback Danny Vitale previously opted out.

During a conference call with reporters Sunday, safety Devin McCourty criticized the NFL for reportedly considering moving up the deadline for players to make their decisions.

“I think it’s an absolute joke that the NFL is changing the opt out period, mainly because they don’t want to continue to see guys opt out,” he said. “I’m sure they’re shocked about how many guys have opted out. But it’s the same thing when we sign a (collective bargaining agreement), sometimes some of those things that we think are good sometimes backfire.”

McCourty declined to say whether he would play in 2020. But he said it was disingenuous for the league to expect players to make informed decisions with Monday marking the first time he and his Patriots teammates will fully experience the safety protocols.