FOXBORO — Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore could return to practice for the first time since the start of training camp this week, head coach Jerod Mayo said in his Wednesday morning press conference.

Barmore was diagnosed with blood clots this summer and began the season on the non-football illness list.

Once Barmore returns to practice, there’s a 21-day window to get him activated onto the 53-man roster.

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Barmore signed a four-year, $84 million contract extension this offseason after a star-turning 2023 season in which he had 64 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 16 QB hits and 13 tackles for loss. The Patriots’ defense has struggled to stop the run and rush the passer this season, though their Week 10 win over the Bears was an exception.

Daniel Ekuale has taken on the biggest role replacing Barmore, though Jeremiah Pharms also saw more snaps in Week 10.

Mayo said that Barmore is ahead of guard Cole Strange, who began the 2024 season on injured reserve. Strange is not expected to return to practice this week.