The Patriots will welcome back one among their defensive leaders for Week 11. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the team is activating defensive lineman Christian Barmore off the non-football illness list. Barmore is predicted to play tomorrow.
The 25-year-old was sidelined indefinitely after being diagnosed with blood clots in late July. He was subsequently placed on NFI, and the seriousness of Barmore’s diagnosis led to speculation that he might be out for your complete 2024 season.
Fortunately, things gave the impression to be trending in the appropriate direction for the previous second-round pick, because the organization expressed continued optimism surrounding his recovery. The organization all but confirmed Barmore’s impending return after they welcomed him back to practice earlier this week. There was some initial skepticism surrounding the DL’s Week 11 availability after he missed yesterday’s practice, but it surely feels like he’ll be able to make his season debut tomorrow.
After showing flashes through his first two seasons within the NFL, Barmore looked as if it would put all of it together in 2023. The defensive lineman established recent career-highs in sacks (8.5), tackles (64), pressures (19), and tackles for loss (13). With Barmore eyeing the ultimate season of his rookie pact in 2024, the Patriots eagerly handed him a a four-year, $84MM extension this past spring.
The Patriots’ pass rush and run defense haven’t been completely helpless in 2024, but Barmore should still help to enhance those middle-of-the-road units. While Latest England doesn’t have an entire lot to play for down the stretch, the organization would gladly take continued development from Barmore as they head towards the offseason.
