Christian Barmore hasn’t been seen at Patriots training camp since the first day, and he didn’t even complete that practice.

Now we know why.

On Sunday evening – which was also Barmore’s 25th birthday – the Patriots released a statement regarding a medical situation for Barmore.

“Over the weekend, Christian Barmore was diagnosed with blood clots,” the statement read. “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 recently signed a contract extension and is arguably the most important piece of the defensive puzzle for the team. Coming off a career year, this scary situation seems to actually be a little less scary than it could have been.

“I would be remiss if I did not thank the Patriots’ trainer, Jim Whalen, for his absolute diligence and care over the last couple of days. Today could have looked a lot different without Jim’s persistent and expertise,” Barmore’s agent Nicole Lynn wrote on X. 

Unfortunately, one of Barmore’s teammates and O-line brothers David Andrews dealt with blood clots in his lungs in 2019, forcing him to miss the entire season. Obviously, that would be a huge blow to this New England defense that many believe is one of the best in the NFL, but it goes without saying that Barmore’s health will come first and foremost.