The Patriots are in the midst of a lost season under new head coach Jerod Mayo, but a defensive boost appears to be on the horizon.

Mayo was asked Monday if defensive tackle Christian Barmore, who’s on the non-football illness list with blood clots, could return to practice soon.

Mayo would only say, “We’re getting close.”

Related Articles

Callahan: Drake Maye flashes bright future in another tough Patriots loss

How Patriots explained not going for two after Drake Maye touchdown

Drake Maye questions concussion diagnosis after Patriots return

Patriots’ rushing attack, run defense disappoints Jerod Mayo in loss to Titans

Drake Maye’s incredible last-second touchdown gives Patriots chance in OT loss

Last month, Mayo said Barmore was “progressing” and that there was a chance he could play in 2024.

Barmore was arguably the Patriots’ best defensive player last season, when he contributed 8.5 sacks, 64 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 16 QB hits in 17 games with six starts. The Patriots signed Barmore to a four-year contract extension worth up to $92 million this offseason.

They’ve missed him as a run defender and pass rusher this season. The Patriots are 2-7 this season and lost 20-17 in overtime to the Titans on Sunday in Nashville. They allowed 167 rushing yards to the Titans and only sacked quarterback Mason Rudolph once.