Patriots reportedly bracing for worst-case scenario with Christian Barmore

The New England Patriots are preparing for the possibility that defensive tackle Christian Barmore could miss the entire 2024 season, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

After receiving the biggest non-Tom Brady contract in franchise history, Barmore was diagnosed with blood clots and sidelined indefinitely. The team is obviously viewing his health situation through a long-term scope given the serious nature of it.

They’d happily welcome him back if he’s ready to return this season, but they aren’t pushing for a return. They’re preparing for the worst-case scenario with their best defensive player.

Fowler wrote:

The Patriots are bracing for the possibility that defensive tackle Christian Barmore, who’s on Reserve/Non-Football Injury list while being treated for blood clots, won’t play this season. New England doesn’t want to rush his recovery by any stretch. If he makes it back, great. But the team won’t push it. He’s a long-term asset.

Barmore’s health is obviously more important than football, and the team is taking this situation very seriously.

Replacing Barmore along the defensive front will be a daunting task for Patriots coach Jerod Mayo. There is no one player capable of replacing that kind of talent. It’ll take multiple players to step up along the defensive front to give the unit a fighting chance.