23 Patrick Chung SS

Chung (opt out) plans to return to the Patriots next season, Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports.

Chung opted out of the 2020 season but plans to return to New England for the 2021 campaign. The starting strong safety job will likely be Chung's to lose, though it remains to be seen what level he'll be capable of performing at after a year out of football at age 34.

Chung plans to opt out of the 2020 season, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

The soon-to-be 33-year-old safety is the sixth New England player to announce his attention to sit out the season. Chung started 82 regular-season games for the Patriots over the past six years, averaging 80 tackles, 5.8 pass defenses and 0.7 interceptions per season. His absence leaves offseason addition Adrian Phillips as the probable starter at strong safety, with second-round pick Kyle Dugger also in the mix for regular playing time.

Chung (ankle) agreed Wednesday with the Patriots on a two-year contract extension, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

The exact terms of Chung's new deal aren't known, but Yates notes that the veteran safety will receive a $3 million signing bonus and will be due $12.8 million total through the 2023 season. After Devin McCourty re-signed on a two-year, $23 million deal in March, New England looks like it will have both of its starting safeties in the fold for the duration of their careers. The 32-year-old Chung tallied 51 tackles and three pass breakups across his 13 appearances in 2019.

Chung (ankle) had his pending charge for cocaine possession conditionally dismissed Monday, Andrew Callahan of The Springfield Republican reports.

Chung was indicted Aug. 8 on the felony charge, which stemmed from a June 25 police raid in Meredith, N.H. According to the report from the Belknap County Attorney, Chung must remain in good legal standing for two years, submit periodic drug tests and complete 40 hours of community service to have the charge expunged from his record. The NFL could still choose to levy punishment on Chung if it's determined he violated the league's substance-abuse policy, though the lack of a conviction and the veteran safety's clean record prior to last summer's incident may aid his chances of avoiding a suspension.

Chung suffered a high-ankle sprain during Saturday's playoff loss to the Titans, Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports.

Chung was forced out of the wild-card loss during New England's first defensive series. He recorded just one tackle before leaving the field. The veteran safety's injury isn't cause for any notable concern -- though high-ankle sprains usually carry a multiweek recovery timetable -- since he'll have the benefit of a full offseason to get healthy.

Chung left Saturday's playoff loss to the Titans with an ankle injury.

Chung recorded only one tackle before exiting the game, but he should have plenty of time to recover given the Patriots' uncharacteristic early departure from the playoffs. The veteran safety finished 2019 with 51 tackles (38 solo) and three passes defensed in 13 regular-season games.

Chung (heel) will play in Sunday's game against the Chiefs.

Chung logged just limited practice time throughout the week with the heel issue but shook off the injury. Now healthy, he's expected to assume his usual starting role as the teams strong safety.

Chung (illness/heel/chest) is active for Sunday's game against the Texans.

Despite the assortment of injuries, Chung will tough it out once again. The 32-year-old safety has recorded 29 tackles and two pass breakups through eight games.

Chung (illness/heel/chest) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Texans, Doug Kyed of NESN.com reports.

Chung got in a limited practice Friday, and it seems he'll once again suit up despite dealing with multiple injuries as well as illness. If he can't go, Duron Harmon would likely see extra playing time.

Chung (illness/heel/chest) did not practice Wednesday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Chung has nursed heel and chest injuries for multiple weeks, and an aggravation of his heel issue forced him to exit Sunday's win over the Cowboys, but he now also appears to be dealing with an illness. The veteran safety's status for Week 13's tilt in Houston remains uncertain.

Chung was forced out of Sunday's game against the Cowboys with a heel injury, Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports.

Chung was bothered by a heel injury leading up to this game but was ultimately active. This appears to be an aggravation of that issue, so he'll likely land on the injury report again when the Patriots retake the practice field Wednesday.

Chunt (heel/chest) is active for Sunday's game against the Cowboys.

Chung sat out Week 11 but was able to recover from both his injuries enough to play. The veteran will start at strong safety and look to build on the 22 tackles and two pass breakups he's accrued through seven contests.

Chung (heel/chest) has been downgraded to out for Sunday's game at Philadelphia.

Chung was initially considered questionable after working as a limited practice participant this week, but he won't be available for Sunday's contest. The 32-year-old's absence could be a big one for the Patriots as they attempt to cover a pair of dangerous tight ends in Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert. Duron Harmon figures to see more work at safety for New England.

Chung (heel/chest) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Eagles.

Chung has missed time due to heel and chest injuries this season, and both issues appear to still be lingering despite last week's bye. The veteran safety doesn't possess much IDP value, but he plays a key role in New England's stalwart secondary. Duron Harmon would be the favorite to fill in at strong safety if Chung were ultimately unable to go.

Chung (chest) is active for Sunday's game against the Ravens.

Chung will avoid missing his third game of the season, and he's in line to start at strong safety yet again. The veteran has 19 tackles (15 solo) and two pass breakups through six games, so his IDP value is negligible.

The Patriots have labeled Chung (chest) as questionable for Sunday's game against the Ravens.

Chung was limited at practice all week and is looking like a game-time decision. He has been nursing this injury for roughly a month and has missed one game as a result. Look for Duron Harmon to fill in at strong safety should Chung ultimately get ruled out.

Chung (chest) is officially active for Sunday's clash with the Browns.

Chung was forced to miss Monday's game against the Jets with the injury but, as evidenced by this news, his absence won't linger any longer. Now that he's officially back in action, look for the veteran to regain his normal starting role at strong safety tasked with slowing down Baker Mayfield and the Browns' offense.

Chung (chest) is officially listed as inactive for Monday's divisional game against the Jets.

Chung was forced to leave last Thursday's win over the Giants with the chest injury and will miss his second game of the 2019 campaign. In his stead, Duron Harmon is expected to get the start at strong safety looking to slow down Sam Darnold and the Jets' passing attack.

Chung (chest) is questionable for Monday night's game against the Jets.

The veteran safety missed Week 5 with a heel injury but returned last week against the Giants, only to leave during the first half with the chest issue. Duron Harmon should continue working at strong safety should Chung be unable to suit up Monday.

Chung (chest) has been ruled out for the remainder of Thursday's game against the Giants.

Chung left the game in the first half and will now have 11 days to attempt a recovery before a Week 7 matchup with the Jets. Duron Harmon figures to take over for Chung at safety opposite Devin McCourty.