Defensive tackle Christian Barmore practiced for the first time this season with his New England Patriots teammates on Thursday.
Barmore was hospitalized for blood clots when New England convened for training camp in July, and he has spent the season on the reserve/non-football injury list.
“It’s a blessing, right?” Patriots defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington said before practice on Thursday. “I think for anybody that was put in his shoes or going through that, it’s definitely a blessing, first of all, that they even caught it. Being able to play football, go through different physicals, go to the doctor and recognized it and be able to do something for it. Then the ability to go out there and practice is definitely a good start and a blessing.”
The Patriots’ practice report showed Barmore was a limited participant at Thursday’s workout.
By returning Barmore to practice, New England opened a 21-day period in which the Patriots can restore Barmore to their active roster. If they don’t, he’ll spend the season on NFI.
“I told Christian this and I’ll tell you guys this to: Just remember manage expectations,” Covington said. “It’s a blessing to be out there on the field. That’s what the focus needs to be on. It’s a blessing to be out there on the field. Let’s go out there and do what you can do. And I think all of us need to manage our expectations on whatever you think it is.
“For me, for him and for you guys, just make sure what’s the real deal. He’s out there. That’s the first step, and then go from there. Let’s take it one day at a time, one week at a time, one game at a time, and that’s really the story. That’s the story for you guys. That’s the story for him. That’s the story for us. It shouldn’t be any pressure on him. He’s out there. That’s what it is. I’m happy that you’re out there, bro. You’re out there. It’s one snap, it’s 50 snaps, you don’t play this game, whatever it is – perfect. It’s better than not being out there and not being able to play football again.”
Barmore joined New England from Alabama’s 2020 undefeated CFP national-championship team in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. After playing in every game as a rookie, Barmore played in 10 in 2022 because of injuries.
In 2023, Barmore reached career highs with 64 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, 16 quarterback hits, six pass breakups and one forced fumble.
