Jerod Mayo offers an encouraging update on Christian Barmore’s potential return
“We’re getting close."
A Patriots defense in desperate need of playmakers could receive some significant reinforcements in the coming weeks.
When asked on Monday about the status of defensive tackle Christian Barmore, Jerod Mayo hinted that the talented defender could potentially return at some point during the 2024 campaign.
“We’re getting close,” Mayo said of Barmore’s return.
As vague as Mayo’s comment might be, it represents a step in the right direction for Barmore, who has been sidelined for the entire season so far after being diagnosed with blood clots early into training camp.
The 25-year-old Barmore was expected to be a key piece of New England’s defense this season, especially after signing a four-year extension with the Patriots worth up to $92 million in April.
Barmore has established himself as a force against the run over his first three seasons in New England — with his potential return bolstering a Patriots run defense currently ranked 26th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed. But Barmore has also developed into a pass-rushing threat as well, totaling 8.5 sacks over 17 games during the 2023 season.
Speaking to reporters in October, Mayo noted that Barmore was on the road to recovery — although a definitive timeline was difficult to map out given the lineman’s condition.
“He’s progressing,” Mayo said last month. “He still has some checkpoints or hurdles to get over, but he’s progressing well.”
In a follow-up question, Mayo was asked if there is a better chance of Barmore playing at some point this season than what was initially projected in September.
“I would say ‘yes,’” Mayo responded.
This is not the first time that the Patriots have lost a key player on their roster due to blood clots, with David Andrews missing the entire 2019 due to a similar diagnosis just before the start of regular season action.
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