FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore was diagnosed with blood clots over the weekend and was being treated at Mass General Brigham, the team announced.
In a statement, the team said its “primary concern at this time is the health and well-being of Christian,” though it noted there is no timetable for his return.
“We know Christian is receiving excellent care and we look forward to his full recovery,” the team said in a statement.
Barmore's agent, Nicole Lynn, also thanked Patriots athletic trainer Jim Whalen for “his absolute diligence and care over the last few days.”
Later Sunday, Barmore wrote on Instagram: “Thank you all for the support, thoughts and prayers. I'll be back soon.”
In 2019, veteran Patriots center David Andrews missed the season after being diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs. He returned to play in 2020. Andrews, 32, enters his 10th season with the team this year.
Barmore, who turned 25 on Sunday, is entering his fourth season with the Patriots after being selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft out of Alabama.
In April, the Patriots signed him to a four-year contract extension worth a maximum of $92 million, including $41.8 million in guaranteed money.
As reflected in the contract, the Patriots view the 6-foot-5, 300-pound Barmore as a rising star. A native of Philadelphia, Barmore has played in 44 regular-season games (11 starts), totaling 133 tackles, 12.5 sacks and nine pass deflections.
Barmore is coming off a season in which he led the Patriots with 8.5 sacks and totaled 13 tackles for loss while developing into a complete lineman who has earned the trust of coaches as both a run-stopper and pass-rusher.
He is projected to start alongside eight-year veteran Davon Godchaux this season.
With Barmore gone, the Patriots will now see who emerges from a group that includes veterans Armon Watts and Daniel Ekuale and younger players Jeremiah Pharms Jr., Sam Roberts, Trysten Hill and Josiah Bronson.
