Jerod Mayo revealed Patriots have ‘chance’ to get Christian Barmore back at practice
"There’s a chance that we get him back soon."
The Patriots defense, fresh off its most impressive performance of the season in the win over the Bears, could soon get one its most talented players back on the field for the first time in months.
Christian Barmore, New England’s 25-year-old defensive tackle, has been out since July when he was diagnosed with blood clots. No timetable was set for Barmore’s return at the time, and the team was reportedly “bracing” for him to miss the entire season in September.
Yet on Wednesday, Patriots’ head coach Jerod Mayo dropped a conspicuous statement regarding the return timetables of players who are currently out.
“Barmore is ahead of [Cole] Strange,” Mayo told reporters. “There is a chance that [Barmore] could practice either this week or next week. There’s a chance that we get him back soon.”
Having not played since the first week of training camp, Barmore’s return to his full capacity could take some time. Yet given his talent, Barmore’s presence in the defense (even on a limited basis) would be a big boost for New England’s line.
Without him, the Patriots have (for a variety of reasons) struggled to stop the run for lengthy periods of time. Prior to Sunday’s win over Chicago, New England had allowed opponents to rush for over 100 yards in seven consecutive games. This included a stretch in October in which the Patriots yielded over 170 yards on the ground in three consecutive games (all of which were losses).
Prior to the season, the former Alabama standout signed a four-year contract extension worth potentially as much as $92 million.
Drafted as a second-round pick by Bill Belichick and the Patriots in 2021, Barmore quickly established himself as an impact player (making the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team). In 2023, he produced his finest statistical season, notching 8.5 sacks and 64 tackles.
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