What happened to Christian Barmore? Patriots DT diagnosed with scary health update

On Sunday, the New England Patriots revealed that the incoming fourth-year defensive tackle Christian Barmore had been diagnosed with blood clots. According to the statement released by the Patriots, Barmore received successful treatment at a local hospital and is said to be doing well.

The full statement can be seen below:

"Over the weekend, Christian Barmore was diagnosed with blood clots. He was appropriately treated by the doctors at Mass General Brigham, who tested, evaluated and treated Christian."

"Our principal concern at this time is Christian's health and wellbeing. Fortunately, Mass General Brigham provides some of the best healthcare in the world. While there is no current timetable for his return, we know Christian is getting tremendous care and we look forward to his full recovery."

Barmore signed a four-year, $83-million extension (according to Spotrac) three months ago, making him the highest-paid player in franchise history other than Tom Brady. A timetable for his return is unknown.

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Christian Barmore not the first current Patriot to suffer blood clots

The Christian Barmore saga is not the first time a Patriot has encountered blood clots that threatened his career and life. Late in the 2019 preseason, his fellow lineman, longtime starting center David Andrews, was found to have an embolism in his lungs. The team was forced to place the two-time Super Bowl champion on season-ending injured reserve.

The Patriots still managed to clinch the AFC East without him, but their offense struggled at times. Their hopes of a second consecutive title in franchise history ended in the Wild Card Round against the Tennessee Titans on January 5, 2020, in what would be Tom Brady's final game with the team.

Just over a week after that defeat, Andrews was interviewed by ESPN about his recovery. He declared that he was not done playing football at just 27 years old:

"I feel great... If there is any chance I can go play football, that's what I'm going to do," Andrews said. "You really take pride in being out there, and that's what I want to do. I want to play football. Maybe coach one day, but not for a long time."

Andrews would injure his thumb early in the 2020 season and go to IR before being reactivated that October. In 2021, he signed a four-year extension.