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Mike Reiss, ESPN writer
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots activated defensive tackle Christian Barmore off the non-football illness list and onto the 53-man roster on Saturday, setting the stage for him to return to action for the first time since which was sidelined at the end of July. after being diagnosed with blood clots.
Barmore practiced for the first time Thursday, and coach Jerod Mayo said there was a chance Barmore could play a limited role in Sunday’s home game against the Los Angeles Rams if doctors cleared him.
“We’ll see what he can handle and build from there,” Mayo said.
The Patriots also released wide receiver Tyquan Thornton on Saturday. Thornton, a 2022 second-round pick out of Baylor known for his incredible speed, never emerged as the top threat the Patriots hoped he would become.
Barmore, 25, is seen as one of the team’s key players. In April, he signed a four-year contract extension worth a maximum of $92 million, including $41.8 million in guaranteed money.
After Barmore participated in the first practice of training camp, the team announced that he had been diagnosed with blood clots and was treated at Mass General Brigham, saying there was no timetable for his return.
Barmore has remained with the team, helping behind the scenes while also working with other injured and rehabbing players.
The 6-foot-5, 315-pound Barmore has played in 44 regular-season games (11 starts), totaling 133 tackles, 12.5 sacks and 9 pass deflections.
The Patriots also elevated linebacker Keshawn Banks and linebacker Joe Giles-Harris to the active roster from the practice squad.
