The New England Patriots have activated defensive lineman Christian Barmore from the non-football illness list. This good news was reported by Ian Rapoport. Barmore could be ready to take the field for the first time this season when the New England Patriots host the Los Angeles Rams. Christian Barmore has been sidelined this season with blood clots but returned to practice this week. Now, he can hopefully return to the field on Sundays to help the Patriots defense turn their season around.
Christian Barmore’s Recovery
Christian Barmore returned to practice with the New England Patriots for the first time this season. This is very good news, as Barmore’s health was in serious question due to his blood clots. Barmore initially believed the blood clots to just be calf pain, but Patriots trainer Jim Whalen urged him to get it checked out. It turned out the blood clots had been spreading from Barmore’s calf to his entire body. Christian Barmore thanked Whalen and the New England Patriots training staff for their help in discovering the blood clots and saving his life.
Last season, Christian Barmore had a breakout performance and became one of the few bright spots on a poor Patriots team. Barmore played in all 17 games, ending the season with 8.5 sacks and 16 quarterback hits. The New England Patriots had a disappointing season with 4 wins and 13 losses, but the defense helmed by Barmore was one of the team’s strongest aspects. Christian Barmore led the team in sacks and was second on the team in tackles for loss.
What Barmore Brings to the Patriots
At his best, Barmore is a disruptive force on the defensive line who can get to the quarterback, even from the nose tackle position. He can also help stuff the run and would be a welcomed addition to any NFL defense. The Patriots’ defense has been relatively average this season. Playing without Barmore and trading away Matthew Judon and Josh Uche has left a talent gap waiting to be filled. One positive has been the play of Keon White, who was made a name for himself as a pass rusher. With Christian Barmore returning to the defensive line beside White, it will make the New England front even better.
The New England Patriots currently hold a 3-7 record, which puts them near the bottom of the AFC. However, the vibes in New England have been positive despite the losses, and that is because of rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Maye has helped revitalize a dormant, vanilla Patriots offense and they have won two out of their last three games. Now that the Patriots have seemingly found a quarterback of the future, they should feel no incentive to get a higher draft pick. So, with Christian Barmore returning to help strengthen the defense, the Patriots should be more competitive on both sides of the ball.
Christian Barmore’s Return
Christian Barmore’s return to the practice field is a bit of good, heartwarming news for the New England Patriots and the NFL. Barmore had to battle blood clots that could have potentially ended his career and is returning to football without missing a full season. Whether his use in games is limited or not, the fact that Christian Barmore is returning at all this season is a miracle.
But if Barmore can get back to full strength and return to the player he was becoming last season, things will be looking up for the New England Patriots. At his best, Barmore is one of the top defensive linemen in the NFL and at 25 years-old, he has plenty of room to improve. The Patriots face the Los Angeles Rams this Sunday, where Christian Barmore can hopefully take the field with his team.