Key Patriots defender ‘getting close’ to returning to practice
New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore is “getting close” to returning to the practice field, according to head coach Jerod Mayo.
The New England Patriots’ defense once again struggled up front in the team’s 20-17 overtime loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Could some big-time help be on the way for that group?
That may be the case, as suggested by head coach Jerod Mayo’s press conference on Monday morning. At the end of his conversation with the media on Monday, Mayo was asked if defensive tackle Christian Barmore “could start practicing relatively soon.”
“We’re getting close,” Mayo replied.
Barmore, 25, has been out since the start of camp due to blood clots. At the time, the team said Barmore would be out ‘indefinitely’ while dealing with the medical situation.
While no official timeline to return has been given for Barmore, Mayo’s answer on Monday is the second positive update on his status in as many months. Asked about Barmore in mid-October, Mayo said “he’s…He still has some checkpoints or hurdles to get over, but he’s progressing well.” Mayo added he felt better at that point about Barmore’s chances of returning to play than he had previously.
The Patriots’ defense could certainly use the help if Barmore can get back on the field. Through nine weeks the unit ranks 21st in scoring in the NFL (24.1 points per game), and is struggling in particular to make an impact up front.
When healthy, Barmore has been one of the more impactful defensive tackles in the NFL. In 17 games last year he was credited with 49 pressures (with eight sacks) and 46 run stuffs. Those ranked first and second on the team, respectively.
Barmore has been on IR since the end of training camp. The Patriots can designate him to return to practice if/whenever he is medically cleared. At that point, the team would have 21 days to add him to the active roster.
