Patriots veteran Christian Barmore speaks out after mysterious benching

New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore was unexpectedly benched at the beginning of the team's Week 8 game against the Cleveland Browns, and no one seems to know why.

Barmore had started all seven games entering Sunday, but he was not on the field for New England's first defensive series against the Browns. The veteran wound up sitting out the entire first quarter, which made it seem like he was serving some sort of punishment from head coach Mike Vrabel.

Vrabel was asked about Barmore's surprising benching following the Patriots' 32-13 win over Cleveland. The coach suggested Barmore had violated team rules.

"I had to make a decision,” Vrabel said, via Mark Daniels of MassLive.com. “My job is to protect the team, so when there’s actions that I don’t feel like are (in line) with what we want to do here, I’ve got to make a decision, and we move on.”

Christian Barmore did not offer an explanation

On Wednesday, Barmore was asked about not taking his first snap of Sunday's game until early in the second quarter. He downplayed Vrabel's decision and told reporters he is focused on preparing for the Patriots' upcoming game against the Atlanta Falcons.

"It ain’t nothing. It ain’t nothing,” Barmore said, via Daniels. “We’re just focused on the Falcons. Focused on the Falcons.”

When pressed further, Barmore told a reporter "next question." He was then asked if there was anything he could take away from the situation.

"It’s always about growing. t’s always about playing the way you’re supposed to be playing, especially how the coaches want us to play," Barmore replied. "We all got a job we’ve got to do.”

Barmore also said he has no hard feelings toward Vrabel because "that's my guy."

Christian Barmore has had a big role under Mike Vrabel

The Patriots drafted Barmore in the second round out of Alabama in 2021. He missed most of last season because of a blood clot issue but was fully cleared heading into 2025, which is Vrabel's first season with the team.

Barmore had just 11 starts across his first three seasons in New England, but he has taken on a bigger role under Vrabel. Although he does not have a sack after recording 8.5 sacks two years ago, Barmore has become a full-time starter. He will likely return to that role in Week 9 against Atlanta now that whatever disciplinary issue he dealt with seems to be in the rearview.