The Patriots will have Christian Barmore at their disposal in Sunday’s matchup with the Los Angeles Rams.
Yes, we’re serious.
New England is removing the defensive lineman from the non-football injury list on Saturday, according to multiple reports. ESPN’s Mike Reiss was among those to report the move, sharing there would be an “easing-in process” that includes a limited role early on.
Barmore landed on the non-football injury list after it was discovered he had blood clots during the early portion of training camp. The Patriots remained consistent in saying they’d be cautious with their approach to the 25-year-old’s eventual return, but head coach Jerod Mayo foreshadowed the move on Friday.
“There’s a chance,” Mayo said, per team-provided transcript. “We have a meeting with the doctors after practice today, so there is a chance. No, seriously, there is a chance. We have medical meetings every single day, and we’ll see how that goes.
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It went well, clearly.
New England isn’t expected to toss him into the fire just yet. Barmore only practiced one time this week, so there likely will be select packages that include him against LA.
The Patriots likely will keep him between 10 and 20 total plays, with obvious pass-rush situations likely being where he makes his way back alongside the likes of Keion White and Yannick Ngakoue. It’s unlikely there will be many expectations placed on Barmore, with his health and ability to ramp up being the top priority moving forward.
Featured image via Eric Canha/USA TODAY Sports Images
