Christian Barmore out indefinitely with blood clots

After being a non-participant in practice for several days, the Patriots have announced that Christian Barmore has been diagnosed and treated for blood clots and will not put a timetable on his return to action.

The release states, "Over the weekend, Christian Barmore was diagnosed with blood clots. He was appropriately treated by the doctors at Mass General Brigham, who tested, evaluated and treated Christian. Our principal concern at this time is Christian's health 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."

Barmore made his way out to practice Friday, and this reporter saw him joking around with a staff member. However, since leaving the practice late during the first day of training camp, he has not been involved in any drills or football activities we have witnessed.

His agent, Nicole Lynn, took to 'X' to praise the Pats' long-time team trainer, Jim Whalen. "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 (sic) and expertise."

Back in April, Barmore inked a four-year contract extension that made him one of the highest-paid defensive linemen in football, with $41.8 million in guarantees and a chance to collect $92 million over the life of the deal. That contact is the most guaranteed money the Pats have given to a player not named Tom Brady.

When we spoke to the defensive tackle in the spring, he called the contract a "blessing," noting he had only played one year in high school before heading to Alabama. He promised to take his game to a "new level."

If Barmore is out for an extended period — David Andrews missed the entire 2019-20 season with blood clots in his lungs — the Pats will suffer a significant hit in not just their front four but their defense as a whole.

Barmore, whose birthday is today (he turned 25), is coming off a career year with 8.5 sacks and a combined 38 quarterback hits and hurries. He also dramatically improved as a run defender, helping the Pats have one of the most stout defenses in the league. 

The depth chart behind him features free agent signee Armon Watts, third-year pro-Sam Roberts, and the just-added 27-year-old Josiah Bronson. In addition, there's Daniel Ekuale, Jeremiah Pharms Jr., and Trysten Hill. That trio tends to align more on the nose (backing up Davon Godchaux) than in Barmore's spot, but desperate times may alter usage.  It's safe to say that no matter how they divide the snaps, none of the aforementioned players possess Barmore's combination of power, quickness, and length.