New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore is back in full swing as he recovered from a serious thrombotic diagnosis during the first week of the 2025 NFL season.
The 25-year-old lineman missed 10 games last year and saw his much-anticipated return cut short after just four appearances despite months of intense rehabilitation and training.
Five months later, Barmore returned to the field for a spontaneous team workout. And I’m optimistic about what’s going on.
“It all looks really good,” Barmore told reporters this week. “That’s the goal… I’m really enjoying the game I love again.”
Christian Barmore’s injury timeline
Barmore’s 2024 season went off track, just like when training camp began in late July.
His comeback was short-lived while he stayed around the team and worked behind the scenes at Gillette Stadium. After four games, medical staff managed the medication and shut him down again to prevent further risks.
“It was really confusing,” admitted Barmore. “I was doing a lot of work… all the work I spent on anything. It was one of the most difficult times for me.”
He declined to discuss the details of medical care, but said the process was an emotional sacrifice, but now he appears eager to come back.
Why is Barmore the key to patriot defense?
Before his health was scary, Barmore was one of the NFL’s top interior pass rushes.
In 2023, he posted 8.5 bags and 16 quarterback hits, urging the Patriots to sign a four-year, $83 million deal. In full health, he is a destructive force in the middle and a player who can really lock up defenses.
However, uncertainty about his position before this offseason made the Patriots a big move. He signed former Eagles DT Milton Williams to sign a record-breaking deal for the franchise.
Can Barmore and Williams form the top NFL interior duo?
If both linemen are healthy, the Patriots can boast of one of the most frightening pass rush tandems inside. This is especially important for ranked defenses, creating pressure from the edges last ranked in last season’s sacks.
With Williams becoming a mix and Barmore potentially forming, New England could have a stronger defensive identity built from within.
Is Christian Barmore ready for the NFL week 1?
The Patriots have not confirmed Barmore’s status for training camp, but are expected to be fully involved in Organized Team Activities (OTAs) next week.
His return to form will be a major boost for coach Mike Vlavel. Mike Vrabel confirmed earlier this year that the health of the defensive line is an unknown heading into 2025.
Barmore knows how much he is riding on his recovery and how far he will come.
“I don’t want to be anyone in the world, or anything, to experience it,” he said. “That kind of thing was no joke. It was a difficult challenge.”
