FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – In a significant development for the New England Patriots, defensive tackle Christian Barmore has been placed back on the non-football illness list, as confirmed by the team on Thursday.

This comes after the second-round pick from 2021 had recently returned to play, having missed the first 10 games of the season due to a serious health issue involving blood clots, which he was diagnosed with back in late July.

Recent Return to Play

After making a comeback and being activated to the 53-man roster on November 16, Barmore participated in four games, logging 123 snaps and contributing six tackles and a solitary sack.

Decision to Sideline

However, the player experienced recurring symptoms, prompting the decision to sideline him once again after a thorough evaluation.

Team Statement on Health

The Patriots issued a statement expressing their commitment to Barmore's health. "We appreciate everything Christian did to return to the team this season, but our top priority is Christian's health and wellbeing. We know that he will continue to receive tremendous care and we want to ensure that he gets the time he needs to come back stronger than ever,” the team announced.

Contract Extension

In a remarkable turn of events, Barmore signed a lucrative four-year contract extension worth up to $92 million in April, which includes a staggering $41.8 million in guaranteed money.

Importance for the Patriots

This deal underscored the belief the Patriots have in Barmore as a fundamental piece for their defensive line going forward.

Current Season Performance

The health of Barmore is particularly crucial for the Patriots, who have had a tumultuous season. Sitting at 3-11, the Patriots are gearing up for an upcoming game against the Buffalo Bills, who boast an impressive record of 11-3.

Outlook

As fans hold their breath for Barmore's recovery, it remains to be seen how the team will adjust their strategies and look for alternatives in the defensive lineup.

Hope for Recovery

For the rookie defensive tackle, the road to recovery may be challenging, and supporters are hopeful that he will be able to overcome this setback.

Final Thoughts

The Patriots, known for their resilience, will surely navigate this situation, but the absence of Barmore could heavily influence their remaining games this season.