The New England Patriots are going to be with out one in every of their finest defensive gamers for an unknown time period.
The crew introduced on Sunday that defensive standout Christian Barmore, one in every of their prime defensive lineman, was recognized with blood clots over the weekend. The Patriots went on to say that Barmore was handled however they haven’t any rapid timetable on when he can or will return to the sector.
Barmore was a second-round decide by the Patriots (No. 38 general) within the 2021 NFL Draft and has progressively seen his function enhance throughout the protection.
He began six video games for the Patriots in 2023, whereas showing in all 17 video games, and recorded a career-high 8.5 sacks. That quantity not solely led the crew, nevertheless it was 4 greater than some other participant on the roster.
The Patriots protection was the one vivid spot throughout a brutal four-win season in 2023, and the emergence of Barmore was a key a part of that. If he has to overlook prolonged time — and it’s in all probability guess that he’ll given how regarding blood clots are — that may be a major difficulty for his or her defensive entrance and their cross rush.
The protection goes to should be the point of interest once more this season because the Patriots nonetheless lack playmakers on offense and are more likely to have a rookie quarterback in Drake Maye main the crew. Factors ought to once more be a difficulty.