FOXBORO — Christian Gonzalez and Matthew Judon headlined the Patriots’ list of defensive injuries last season, but New England’s D-line also was down an important piece for much of 2023.

Veteran D-tackle Daniel Ekuale suffered a torn biceps late last September that sidelined him for the rest of the season. He played in just three games and, after it was determined he would not return, spent the rest of the season back home in California, away from the team.

Now, Ekuale is back, fully healthy and poised to play a prominent role in New England’s defense. With Christian Barmore sidelined indefinitely with blood clots, the 30-year-old Ekuale projects as a starter alongside Davon Godchaux.

“It was an unfortunate situation for me last year, but it feels great to be back here with the team,” Ekuale said after Thursday’s practice. “(I’m doing) everything I can to try to stay healthy and take care of my body, because that was — I didn’t plan on doing that last year, working all offseason just to play three games and (get) hurt. So I’m just happy to be back.”

Ekuale said he felt “sad” watching the Patriots from afar after his injury. His biceps healed after 1 1/2 months, he said, and he wanted to return, but by that point in a lost season, he knew it “wasn’t worth it.”

“The hardest part (was) waking up and knowing that I can’t be out here with my teammates,” he said.

Primarily an interior pass rusher during his first three seasons with the Patriots, Ekuale should have an expanded role with more run-game responsibilities with Barmore unavailable. He and Godchaux sit atop a defensive tackle depth chart that also includes Jeremiah Pharms, Trysten Hill, Armon Watts, Sam Roberts and Josiah Bronson. The Patriots released Mike Purcell on Wednesday.

“Every time I step out there, I know that I’ve got to take advantage of my opportunity,” Ekuale said. “So every time I go out there, I know the coaching staff and my teammates are counting on me to do my job and do it at a high level.”