Patriots have “chance” to get Christian Barmore back

Patriots

The Patriots defense, which just put together its most impressive performance of the season in a win over the Bears, could soon have one in all its most talented players on the sector for the primary time in months.

Christian Barmore, New England's 25-year-old defensive tackle, has been out since July when he was diagnosed with blood clots. At that point, there was no timetable for Barmore's return and the team was reportedly preparing for him to miss your complete season in September.

But on Wednesday, Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo made an attention-grabbing statement in regards to the return plans of players who’re currently out.

“Barmore is ahead [Cole] Strange,” Mayo told reporters. “There is a possibility that [Barmore] could practice either this week or next week. There’s a chance we can get him back soon.”

Since Barmore hasn't played for the reason that first week of coaching camp, it could take a while for him to return to full fitness. But given his talent, Barmore's presence on defense (even in a limited capability) can be a significant boost for New England's line.

Without him, the Patriots struggled to stop the run for a very long time (for various reasons). Before Sunday's win over Chicago, New England had allowed opponents to rush for over 100 yards in seven straight games. That included a stretch in October wherein the Patriots gave up over 170 yards on the bottom in three straight games (all losses).

Before the season, the previous Alabama star signed a four-year contract extension potentially value as much as $92 million.

Barmore was drafted as a second-round pick by Bill Belichick and the Patriots in 2021 and quickly established himself as an impact player (making the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team). In 2023, he delivered his best statistical season, recording 8.5 sacks and 64 tackles.