Jerod Mayo gives promising updates on Christian Barmore, Cole Strange

Mayo also shared that Strange might be in line for a position change.

Christian Barmore’s social media activity on Thursday night led some to wonder if his return from blood clot issues would come sooner than later. The Patriots defensive tackle posted an hourglass emoji on X, formerly known as Twitter, which some read as a countdown to his possible return.

Jerod Mayo shut down the idea that Barmore’s return is imminent, but the Patriots coach shared an optimistic update on their standout defensive player when he spoke with reporters on Friday.

“He’s progressing,” Mayo said. “He still has some checkpoints or hurdles to get over, but he’s progressing well.”

In a follow-up question, Mayo was asked if there is a better chance could play at some point this season than he did a few weeks ago.

“I would say ‘yes,'” Mayo responded.

Barmore, 25, was diagnosed with blood clots in late July, shortly after the Patriots opened up training camp. New England immediately ruled Barmore out indefinitely, causing some speculation that he would miss the entire season due to the issue. Patriots center David Andrews missed the entire 2019 season due to blood clots as well.

The diagnosis came three months after Barmore signed a four-year, $92 million extension following a breakout 2023 campaign. He had a team-high 8.5 sacks that season to go with 64 total tackles and a forced fumble. The Patriots opted to pay Barmore his full salary for the 2024 season in September.

As Mayo gave a promising update on Barmore, he also had some positive news to share about guard Cole Strange.

“He’s starting to look like an NFL player,” Mayo told reporters of Strange. “He’s getting better. We’ll see what happens as we go forward.”

Strange, who the Patriots took in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, has been out all season since he suffered a torn patellar tendon in his left knee late last year. He’s reportedly expected to return at some point in 2024. If so, he might play a different position.

“One hundred percent,” Mayo said when asked if the team would give Strange a look at center. “I mean, any of those interior spots. He can play guard, he can play center, and we have to get the best person out there. I think he has the ability, the physical tools to be able to do it.”

The Patriots have an obvious need for a center. Andrews suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 4, and Nick Leverett struggled in his first start at center in Week 4.

A position change could also benefit Strange. Prior to the injury, Strange struggled to live up to his status as a first-round pick, giving up three sacks and 22 pressures in 10 games last season, per Pro Football Focus.

The Patriots could certainly use the extra reinforcements. The team has started five different offensive combinations in each of the first five games as they’ve dealt with a slew of injuries. They also rank toward the bottom in many blocking metrics, such as pass block win rate, where they’re last in the league.