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.

New England Patriots defensive lineman Christian Barmore, who has been out since being hospitalized with blood clots during the summer, practiced on Thursday for the first time since his diagnosis.  Barmore has been on the team's non-football illness list since the time of his hospitalization.