After having his 2024 season shortened due to recurring blood clots, one New England Patriots defensive star is set to return to the field.

Christian Barmore, the Patriots starting defensive tackle, has been cleared for a return to football activities.

The player told reporters that he plans on being a full participant when voluntary organized activities begin next week. He also says he’ll be ready for the September 7 season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders.

‘Yeah. That’s the goal. I just have to keep following the medical team, but everything is looking really well,’ Barmore told reporters (via ESPN’s Mike Reiss).

Barmore played in just four games for the Patriots last season – missing every game up until Week 11 against the Los Angeles Rams.

He played in three more contests – with his last one coming on December 15 against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 15.

Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore has been cleared to return to playing football

Barmore missed all but four games last season as he dealt with recurring blood clots

After that game, his season ended as he was placed on the non-football illness list.

But since then, Barmore has been hard at work in his attempt to get back into playing shape. 

Barmore didn’t answer a question on if doctors know what led to the recurrence of his blood clots, but revealed the toll the diagnosis took on him.

‘It was one of the hardest times. I felt like I did everything in my power, wanting to come back,’ he said. 

‘I don’t want to ever be in that situation again, or anybody in the world to go through that. That stuff was no joke. It was a hard challenge.’ 

Next season, he should form half of an amazing interior defensive line duo alongside Milton Williams – who the Patriots just acquired in free agency from the Philadelphia Eagles.

‘That’s my guy,’ Barmore said before revealing that the two line-mates have started a friendly compeтιтion between themselves.

‘We see who’s the first one in the weight room. Who is the first one in the meeting room. We’ve been always going at it,’ Barmore said. 

‘He makes me work hard. He’s a hell of a worker, hell of a guy, hell of a player.’