New England Patriots burgeoning star defensive tackle Christian Barmore returned to practice for the first time this season on Thursday. It was the first time Barmore has practiced since being diagnosed with blood clots and sidelined indefinitely in the summer.

Barmore’s participation means the Patriots have opened the 21-day window to activate him to the 53-man roster.

And when the Patriots do get him back on the field, he can add a valuable element that will continue to help out a pass rush that generated nine sacks in Week 10 and a run defense that held the Bears to 3.6 yards per carry in Sunday’s win.

The New England Patriots received some welcome news Thursday. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported defensive tackle Christian Barmore is expected to return

Barmore has been sidelined since July. The post Christian Barmore set to return to Patriots practice appeared first on Boston.com.

Defensive tackle Christian Barmore, who has been out since late July after being diagnosed with blood clots, is expected to return to practice Thursday, according to a team source. Barmore, 25, had seemed poised for a massive season after recording 8 1/2 sacks a year ago,

New England Patriots Defensive Tackle Christian Barmore is expected to cross a major milestone Thursday as he works his way back into the lineup.