ESPN’s Mike Reiss and NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported Christian Barmore is expected to practice Thursday. Those reports came a day after head coach Jerod Mayo told reporters New England expected the 25-year-old back either this week or next week.

Barmore started the season on the non-football illness list after it was revealed he dealt with blood clots in the offseason. The 2021 second-round pick was still a constant presence in the locker room.

It still might be too early to say when Barmore returns to game action, but the Patriots could use his presence on the defensive interior. Davon Godchaux was New England’s most consistent player at defensive tackle with a rotation cast that Mayo and his staff had to rely on in Barmore’s absence.

The fourth-year defensive tackle broke out last season and proved to be a true difference-maker. Drake Maye provided a spark and hope for the season, and if Barmore does return to action after dealing with blood clots, that could provide more inspiration for the Patriots.