Report: Patriots' Christian Barmore Returning to Practice After Blood Clots Diagnosis

The New England Patriots received some welcome news Thursday.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported defensive tackle Christian Barmore is expected to return to the practice field for the first time since it was revealed he was diagnosed with blood clots.

Barmore has been on the non-football illness list and is yet to play a game during the 2024 campaign, although he appeared in all 17 contests during the 2023 season.

The Patriots released a statement in July, saying: "Barmore was diagnosed with blood clots. He was appropriately treated by the doctors at Mass General Brigham, who tested, evaluated and treated Christian. Our principal concern at this time is Christian's health and wellbeing.

"Fortunately, Mass General Brigham provides some of the best healthcare in the world. While there is no current timetable for his return, we know Christian is getting tremendous care and we look forward to his full recovery."

The defensive tackle took to social media at the time to thank everyone for their support:

The diagnosis came during the same offseason that New England and Barmore agreed to a four-year deal with a maximum value of $92 million. Rapoport reported in September the team planned on paying him his full salary for the 2024 season even though it wasn't required to because he was on the NFI.

Head coach Jerod Mayo told reporters last month he believed there was a chance the defensive tackle would return this season.

"He's progressing," Mayo said. "He still has some checkpoints or hurdles to get over, but he's progressing."

Barmore was a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft and received the contract extension after a career-best season in 2023. In addition to appearing in all 17 games, he finished with 64 tackles, 8.5 sacks, six passes defended and one forced fumble last year.

The Patriots surely hope he is a staple in their defense for years to come, and returning to the practice field is the next step toward his eventual return to that level.