The Patriots are set to regain one of their key defensive players in Week 11. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the team is activating defensive lineman Christian Barmore from the non-football illness list, and he is expected to play on Sunday.
Barmore, 25, had been sidelined indefinitely since being diagnosed with blood clots in late July. He was placed on the NFI list, and the severity of his condition initially sparked concerns that he might miss the entire 2024 season.
Thankfully, Barmore’s recovery has progressed positively, with the team expressing consistent optimism about his return. That optimism was further reinforced when he returned to practice earlier this week.
Although his Week 11 status was briefly in doubt after he missed practice on Friday, he appears ready to make his season debut.
After showing promise during his first two NFL seasons, Barmore had a breakout year in 2023, recording career highs in sacks (8.5), tackles (64), pressures (19), and tackles for loss (13). Heading into the final year of his rookie deal, the Patriots rewarded him with a four-year, $84 million extension last spring.
While New England’s pass rush and run defense have been average this season, Barmore’s return is expected to strengthen those areas.
Even though the team has little at stake as the season winds down, Barmore’s continued growth would be a welcome development as they look ahead to the offseason.
