Patriots’ Defensive Lineman Christian Barmore Diagnosed with Blood ClotsPatriots’ Defensive Lineman Christian Barmore Diagnosed with Blood Clots During a routine checkup, Christian Barmore, a defensive tackle for the New England Patriots, was diagnosed with blood clots in his calf. The diagnosis came after Patriots head coach Jim Whalen noticed a bruise on Barmore’s leg and urged him to get it examined. Barmore, a former standout at the University of Alabama, had emerged as a key player for the Patriots in recent seasons. Last year, he had a breakout campaign, recording 8.5 sacks, 64 total tackles, and 13 tackles for loss. Following his diagnosis, Barmore is currently undergoing treatment and focusing on his health. The Patriots have stated that his future on the field is uncertain at this time. The presence of blood clots in athletes has varying outcomes. Some players, such as center Billy Price, have been forced to retire due to the risks associated with blood thinners. Others, like Jets tackle Max Mitchell and Rams tackle Alaric Jackson, have been able to return to play after treatment. If Barmore is unable to play in 2024, it will put a strain on the Patriots’ defensive line depth. The team had been planning to start Barmore and Davon Godchaux, with Deathrich Wise and Keion White competing for the third starting spot. Without Barmore, Wise and White would likely fill the starting lineup, while players like Daniel Ekuale and Armon Watts would contribute from the bench. The Patriots and the entire football community are hoping for a full and speedy recovery for Christian Barmore. His health remains the top priority, and any decisions regarding his future will come after his well-being has been ensured.
The Patriots got a scare this weekend when head coach Jim Whalen noticed a bruise on the back of a defensive tackle Christian Barmore‘s calf. Whalen insisted that last year’s breakout lineman get it checked out. When that happened, Barmore was diagnosed with blood clots. After averting disaster, Barmore is now receiving treatment and focusing on his health, according to a statement from the Patriots. 
Barmore, a former second-round pick out of Alabama, had a slow start to his NFL career. In his rookie season, Barmore earned significant playing time as a rotational sub. He started just two games, but he played nearly as much as the starters at the position. He primarily functioned as a run stopper, recording 46 tackles on the season. The following year, his role expanded somewhat, as he earned three starts, but he was limited to just 10 games due to a knee injury.
Last year, fully healthy, Barmore broke out in a big way. He started just six games, but he played more defensive snaps than any other lineman. In that time, Barmore posted career highs in sacks (8.5), total tackles (64), tackles for loss (13), quarterback hits (16), pass deflections (6) and forced fumbles (1). Analytics reflected his breakout season as well, as Pro Football Focus (subscription required) ranked him the eighth-best interior defender in the NFL and praised his pass rushing ability, which they rated the seventh-best in the NFL at the position.
New England rewarded Barmore’s impressive performance by helping him avoid a contract year, signing the lineman to a four-year, $92 million extension. The Patriots valued his contributions so much that they made sure Barmore would anchor their defensive line for years to come, keeping him under contract through the 2028 season.
However, following his diagnosis, that future is uncertain. The focus is, rightly, on Barmore’s health at the moment and not on his potential return to the pitch. Without a diagnosis, his blood clots could have been the worst possible outcome for the young defender who celebrates his 25th birthday today. Once his health has recovered, Barmore can turn his thoughts to the pitch, but for now there is only one focus.
To speculate, blood clots have had varying outcomes in the past. Recently we saw the center Billy Price retire after emergency surgery for a pulmonary embolism to remove a saddle clot that lodged in his lung. Price felt the risk of internal bleeding while taking blood thinners was too great to continue playing. Jets tackle Max Mitchell‘s rookie season was cut short by blood clots in his lung and calf. The condition was treatable with medication, and Mitchell returned to start seven games last year. Rams tackle Alaric Jackson saw a similar situation end his 2022 season after just eight games, requiring blood-thinning medication before he could return to the field.
It’s hard to say what all of this means for Barmore. Of course, the few examples show that it’s possible we won’t see Barmore in 2024. While these were all season-ending, Mitchell and Jackson returned to play the following season. Barmore’s health is more important than his career at this point, so any decisions about his future will have to wait.
If Barmore is forced to miss time, it will strain the Patriots depth at that position. They were ready to roll with Barmore and Davon Godchaux starting while Deathrich wise and last year’s second round rookie Keion White were fighting for that final starting spot. If Barmore is out, Wise and White will likely join Godcheaux in the starting lineup, while the Patriots are counting on depth pieces like Daniel Ekuale, Armon Wattsand others who contribute from the bench.
While we await further news, we at PFR commend Whalen for the level of care and attention he has provided and wish Barmore only the very best for the future.
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