New England Patriots starting defensive tackle Christian Barmore told reporters Thursday that he’s been cleared for football activities and expects to play in the team’s season opener.

Barmore, 25, was limited to four games last season while experiencing blood clots. He said he’s been a full participant in the team’s offseason workout program.

“Yeah. That’s the goal,” Barmore said of playing in Week 1. “I just have to keep following the medical team. But everything is looking really (good).”

Patriots first-year head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters at the NFL’s annual meeting on March 31 that he could tell by Barmore’s “energy and presence” that he was feeling better.

Barmore, taken by the Patriots in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, missed the first 10 games last season before playing in the next four. He then missed the rest of the season due to a recurrence of the blood clots.

In 48 career games (11 starts), Barmore has 13.5 sacks, 139 tackles, 33 quarterback hits and one forced fumble. He signed four-year, $83 million contract extension with the franchise on April 29, 2024.

–Field Level Media