New England Patriots burgeoning star defensive tackle Christian Barmore returned to practice for the first time this season on Thursday.
It was the first time Barmore has practiced since being diagnosed with blood clots and sidelined indefinitely in the summer.
There was always hope that he’d return to action, but given the seriousness of the situation, the team waited until he was completely cleared and ready to step back onto the field.
New England missed his presence on the defensive front, along with linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley, who is out for the season with a torn pectoral muscle. Both Barmore and Bentley being out has made the Patriots vulnerable against the run.
There’s hope that Barmore returning to play side-by-side with Davon Godchaux will be a huge lift to the Patriots’ defense.
Patriots DT Christian Barmore has returned to practice @RapSheet report officially confirmed! pic.twitter.com/Epdw0KdLt0
— Sophie Weller (@sophieewellerr) November 14, 2024
Patriots.com’s Evan Lazar noted Barmore has been seen at the Patriots’ facility almost daily staying in shape. So he’s clearly been preparing for this moment well before it arrived.