A 3-7 start is problem enough… And you can understand why Jerod Mayo and the Pats don’t want any more of it to juggle with. So, don’t be surprised when we tell you they’ve released their $7 million wide receiver before the Rams game. Out of the blue, indeed. But there’s a positive update from the Christian Barmore front.

Yeah, you read that right! ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that New England has released Tyquan Thornton, the 2022 second-round pick from Baylor. But don’t sleep on Thornton, who is now on waivers. He could have teams circling around him (like sharks) if they need a receiver.

Sure, that’s a bummer, but this move is now signaling a return of someone from their reserve list. Will it be CB Alex Austin or DT Christian Barmore? More signs point towards the latter’s inclusion in the team against the Rams.

See, the thing is, Barmore’s situation is particularly intriguing—he hasn’t played all season due to blood clots. So, we can see why the Pats have listed him as questionable for Sunday. Now, as for his surprise appearance? It’s like a last-minute audible we didn’t see coming.

Coach Jerod Mayo addressed the possibility, saying, “There’s a chance. We have a meeting with the doctors after practice today, so there is a chance.” Not exactly a vote of confidence, but if we are to go by the recent reports, then the update is that the Pats are set to activate Barmore. I mean, the Rams game planners can keep wishing otherwise, but New England has hit the nail.

After all, a healthy Barmore could just be the key to the Pats’ defensive woes.

Christian Barmore might just be the piece the Pats’ D was missing

When asked about Christian Barmore, Jerod Mayo summed it up perfectly: “The expectation is there is no expectation. When he’s ready to go, he’ll play.” That’s a very Patriots way of saying, “we’ll wait, but boy, do we need him.” After being sidelined with health concerns, Barmore’s been itching to return. Mayo credited the medical staff for their careful handling of the situation.

But fans will appreciate the careful handling when they get their beast back on the field. So, who is Barmore, and why all the fuss? Drafted in the second round in 2021 out of Alabama, Barmore quickly became a key piece of the Pats’ defense. His ability to crush the pocket and stuff the run is exactly what’s been missing. Not satisfied? Don’t worry, here are the numbers.

His career numbers do the talking: 133 tackles, 12.5 sacks, and 13 tackles for loss. Oh, and let’s not forget his monster 2023 season with 8.5 sacks—numbers that earned him a fat four-year extension last spring.

In short, you can say: He is HIM. At least in Foxborough, where all games have been like a glaring reel of problems. Especially in the D-line. Stats aside, Barmore’s return isn’t just about numbers. It’s the energy he brings. If you know what we are talking about here, then you know how he can elevate the mood of his unit. So, if Barmore is truly back, the Patriots’ D might finally have the missing piece to right the ship. But will it be enough? Well, folks, you can bet on that if you are a gambling man. But it’s anyone’s guess, as of now.