New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has issued a stern warning to his players ahead of this week's joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles, emphasizing the consequences of engaging in physical altercations during practice sessions. The warning comes with an intriguing twist that targets both starters and backups differently.

Mayo made it clear that any player involved in fights during practice sessions will face significant repercussions when it comes to their playing time in Thursday night's preseason game. The twist lies in the fact that starters, who typically refrain from participating in preseason games due to their established positions on the team, will be required to play the entire game if they engage in any physical confrontations during practice. On the other hand, backups, who rely on preseason games as valuable opportunities to secure a roster spot, will face benching for the remainder of the exhibition matches if they engage in fights during practice sessions.

Addressing his team directly, Mayo stated, "My message to the players: If you get in a fight out here, if you're a starter, you're going to play the whole preseason game. If you're not a starter, you won't play at all." This unequivocal message serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining discipline and sportsmanship on and off the field.

The announcement sends a strong message to all players on the roster, regardless of their role or experience level. Starters, who are usually reserved for regular-season games, will be compelled to take the field during the preseason if they engage in any physical altercations during practice sessions. This added playing time could potentially lead to increased exposure and evaluation from the coaching staff, providing an opportunity for them to showcase their skills and solidify their positions on the team.

Meanwhile, backups, who are eager to prove themselves and secure a spot on the roster, face the risk of being benched for the entire preseason if they engage in fights during practice sessions. This consequence underscores the importance of maintaining composure and professionalism during practice, as it can significantly impact their chances of making the final roster cut.

Mayo's warning serves as a reminder of the significance of discipline and sportsmanship in football. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus and professionalism during practice sessions, as actions on the practice field can directly influence playing time and opportunities during actual games. With this stern message, Mayo aims to foster an environment of respect and camaraderie within his team, ensuring that all players understand the consequences of their actions both on and off the field.