FOXBORO, Mass. — The next time New England Patriots fans see Christian Barmore on the field, they likely will be another year older.
Barmore, who was diagnosed with blood clots in July, will miss at least the first four games of the season while on the non-football illness (NFI) list. There’s a chance he could return in 2024, but a new report casts doubt on the likelihood of the star defensive tackle seeing game action this season.
Let’s discuss the latest reports on Barmore and how the Patriots will try to replace arguably their best player.
New England Patriots Reportedly Expecting Christian Barmore to Miss Entire Season
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler offered a Barmore update in a story published Thursday morning.
“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,” Fowler wrote.
“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.”
A Barmore return always felt unlikely. The Patriots, who saw David Andrews miss all of the 2019 season due to blood clots in his lungs, are wisely being extra cautious with Barmore.
While there still is a chance Barmore could return, the more likely scenario is he takes the entire season to recover.
How Will the Patriots Replace Barmore?
The Patriots don’t have a 1-to-1 replacement for Barmore, who’s the total package at defensive tackle and can take over a game. They’ll need to piece it together by committee and hope young, inexperienced players step up along the way.
“We’ve just gotta develop the guys that are here,” New England defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery said Thursday. “Hopefully, they take advantage of the opportunity.”
As far as developmental players, Jeremiah Pharms Jr. likely will see the biggest role. But the Patriots also could turn toward recently claimed DT Eric Johnson II and practice squadder Trysten Hill, who was cut after a solid training camp. Montgomery spoke about both players on Thursday.
On Johnson: “Ultimately, we’re just trying to get him caught up to where we’re at, what we’re doing. Comes from a different system. He brings size, some strength … it’s nice to add some size, for sure.”
On Hill: “I thought he had a pretty good camp. He’s come a long ways from where he was in the spring when I first got him, from a standpoint of playing within the scheme, using his hands, being disruptive in the run game, and then affecting the quarterback as a rusher.”
However, the most important piece of the puzzle is veteran Daniel Ekuale.
Entering his fourth season with the Patriots, Ekuale primarily has worked as an effective sub-rusher on passing downs. But Montgomery wants Ekuale to assume a larger role on early downs, which will only happen if he holds up against the run.
“He’s gonna have to, right? He’s who we have,” Montgomery said. “I think he’s had a decent camp — but s**t or get off the pot, right? It’s his time to shine, so take advantage of that opportunity. He’s been in the league for a while now, and he’s done a good job for us in the spring and training camp. So, now it’s time to go do it in a game.”
Ekuale suffered a season-ending biceps tear last September but is fully recovered and coming off a strong camp.
“He’s absolutely good to go,” Montgomery said.
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