Patriots Put Pressure On Defender Amid Christian Barmore’s Absence

The Patriots are preparing to be without Christian Barmore for quite a while.

Barmore, who was hospitalized with blood clots in late July, is on the non-football injury list and the expectation is that he won't be coming off any time soon. New England reportedly is "bracing for the possibility" that the 25-year-old won't play at all this season.

Who will be relied upon to help replace his production?

Daniel Ekuale is a primary option, according to Patriots defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery.

"He's gonna have to, right? He's who we have," Montgomery said Thursday, per PFN's Dakota Randall. "I think he's had a decent camp -- but (expletive) or get off the pot, right? It's his time to shine, so take advantage of that opportunity."

Ekuale has been a contributor since arriving in New England, serving in a late-down role throughout the majority of his three seasons. The Patriots looked like they were going to expand his responsibilities in 2023, though a biceps injury ended his season after just three games.

It's looking like his responsibilities will stretch beyond that of a situational pass-rusher, with Montgomery and Jerod Mayo both pointing in his direction as an option to fill the hole left by Barmore.

"You can throw Dan in there as well. He's one of these guys who's a penetrator," Mayo said in August. "We know exactly what he is, and he's a good player for us. We also have guys on the perimeter, on the outside, that can slide inside on third down. Those are all things that we've thought through."

Ekuale isn't the only interior player expected to see the field in a different role. Keion White's responsibilities will be expanded upon. Deatrich Wise Jr. can always be counted on to provide solid reps along the defensive line. Jeremiah Pharms Jr. showed flashes as an interior rusher throughout the preseason.

The Patriots won't find anyone to replace but Barmore, but they could be OK relying on that collection of talent.