Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore made his season debut for New England on Sunday after missing the first 10 weeks of the season after being diagnosed with blood clots in July.
Barmore admitted he’s still working on getting into game shape when he spoke with reporters following the Patriots’ loss to the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium.
The fourth-year veteran was primarily limited to third-down situations where he registered three tackles. Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo noted one area Barmore needs to work on going forward.
“I would say first and foremost, it was just good to see him out there,” Mayo told reporters, per team-provided video. “There are definitely things we have to work on, and I would say the number one thing is just pad level. It was really his first time being in pads, and I look forward to seeing him continue to progress.”
Barmore was thankful to be back on the field given his health struggles to begin the season.
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“The blood clots are not a joke,” Barmore said after the Patriots game on Sunday. “I had a real bad shortness of breath, and it messed with me, like a lot. … My teammates really supported the hell out of me. I love them all, and coaches and all. I told myself I was not gonna lose that battle. So, I told myself, I’m gonna keep fighting and keep going.”
Featured image via Eric Canha/Imagn Images
