New England Patriots make necessary signing following star defender's scary health situation

The New England Patriots announced that they have signed defensive tackle Mike Purcell on Thursday following Day 7 of Training Camp at Gillette Stadium.

This move comes after the team will be without Christian Barmore who was diagnosed with blood clots. The timeline for Barmore is unknown at this time.

Purcell began his career with the San Francisco 49ers in 2013, signing as an undrafted free agent. He spent his first full season and part of his second year on the practice squad before being promoted to the active roster. He was released in 2017.

Following his time with the 49ers, he had short stints with the Los Angeles Rams, Chicago Bears, and Carolina Panthers. In October 2017, he was signed by the Patriots, but was released the following day. Over a week later, the team re-signed him to the practice squad, but he was released soon after.

After his time in New England, Purcell signed to the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad, but was released in 2018.

He then had a short stint with the Salt Lake Stallions of the Alliance of American Football, but made his way back to the NFL, signing with the Denver Broncos in April 2019. He spent the past five seasons with the Broncos.

Specifically, last season he played in 16 games with 10 starts and finished with 25 total tackles for the Denver. Throughout his whole career, Purcell has played in 90 games with 45 starts and has recorded 208 total tackles, 3½ sacks, 4 passes defensed, 1 forced fumble and 3 fumble recoveries.

But now he will have a second stint in New England.

Christian Barmore diagnosis

The New England Patriots announced on Sunday that defensive tackle Christian Barmore was diagnosed with blood clots over the weekend and was treated by doctors at Mass General Brigham.

"Over the weekend, Christian Barmore was diagnosed with blood clots. He was treated by the doctors at Mass General Brigham, who tested, evaluated and treated Christian.

Our principal concern at this time is Christian's gealth and wellbeing. Fortunately, Mass General Brigham provides some of the best healthcare in the world.

While there is no current timetable for his return, we know Christian is getting tremendous care and we look forward to his full recovery," the team wrote in a statement.

Barmore's agent Nicole Lynn released a statement following the announcement.

"I would be remiss if I did not thank the Patriots’ trainer, Jim Whalen, for his absolute diligence and care over the last couple of days. Today could have looked a lot different without Jim’s persistent and expertise," Lynn wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.