Barmore was diagnosed with blood clots in July.
Christian Barmore is officially back.
After returning to the practice field this week, the New England Patriots have now activated Barmore off the non-football illness list.
Barmore, who was diagnosed with blood clots back in July, practiced for the first time since on Thursday. He then missed Friday’s session as part of the ramp-up process.
The 25-year old is now slated to make make his season debut on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, where he’ll likely play a limited role.
“For a guy who hasn’t really put on pads since January, it’s tough. You never want to just throw a guy out there coming off an injury, regardless of what the injury is, throw him out there for 50 plays. That’s unrealistic,” head coach Jerod Mayo said Friday. “I think we see what he can handle, and we’ll build from there.”
With his only practice coming on Thursday, that role may be limited to third-downs and obvious pass rush situations — where Barmore, who posted a career-high 8.5 sacks and 49 pressures last season, can provide a boost to New England’s pass rush.
“You talk about being an effective rusher, he just plays hard and doesn’t stop,” defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery said Thursday. “He plays with a good rush motor, that’s what we call it. He does a great job there.”
In order to create a roster spot for the defensive tackle, the Patriots released wide receiver Tyquan Thornton earlier on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.