The Patriots began their 2024 season without one of their most important defensive players due to health concerns that arose over the summer. Christian Barmore was indefinitely sidelined after being diagnosed with blood clots that needed to be dealt with.
Because of the seriousness of the matter, he wasn't expected to be back at all during the year. He remained around the team for practices and meetings as his health improved. He eventually returned to practice and got back into the defensive lineup in Week 11, and he immediately made an impact despite the limited snaps.
Unfortunately, his return won't last long, as the Patriots unexpectedly announced that Barmore will be placed on the non-football illness list and will not play again over the next three games.
It's a massive blow to the Patriots' defensive line, which has been struggling to make any impact the entire season. That was on full display last week against the Cardinals, as they only recorded two sacks on Kyler Murray, but penalties took them back. The pass rush has been virtually nonexistent, and taking Barmore out of the lineup will only further their lack of production.
But with all that said, the main concern here is that Barmore gets healthy and prioritizes himself instead of returning to the team. It's admirable that he worked so hard to make that happen before the end of the season, but with the playoffs out of the picture and a long offseason ahead, hopefully, the defensive tackle will focus on himself and nothing else.
His absence will be another reminder to the new regime just how crucial it will be to add more talent to the defensive line this offseason, even if Barmore is able to play in 2025 along with fellow injured Ja'Whaun Bentley.