Morning sports update

Christian Barmore's expected return: A day after Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo caused a slight surprise by noting that there was a “chance” defensive tackle Christian Barmore could return to practice for the primary time since training camp, it looks like as if the 25-year-old could return on Thursday.

Per multiple reports (from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport And Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald), Barmore is “expected” to be back on the sector.

It can be the primary time the talented defensive lineman has participated in practice since he was diagnosed with blood clots in July. New England reportedly considered going all the season without him, but now appears able to bring back considered one of the important thing components of the defense.

The Patriots' run defense, ranked twenty third within the league, has struggled for a very long time without Barmore under center. New England has allowed no less than 130 yards on the bottom in six games in 2024 (all losses).

Scores and schedules:

The Celtics defeated the Nets 139-114 on Wednesday. Jayson Tatum led all scorers with 36 and finished one rebound shy of a triple-double (nine rebounds, 10 assists).

The Bruins shall be in Dallas to play the Stars tonight at 8 p.m

More from Boston.com:

The ski season has began: Whether Bostonians wish to acknowledge the approaching winter or not, Killington Ski Resort in Vermont is already open for business.

Speaking of winter: Gold medalist Lindsey Vonn, now 40, isn’t retiring and can return to ski racing in possible preparation Comeback on the 2026 Winter Olympics.

On today: In 1979, the Celtics defeated the Pistons 115-111. Larry Bird, playing in his rookie season, recorded the primary triple-double of his Hall of Fame profession (23 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists, in addition to three steals and two blocks).

Daily highlight: Jalen Williams made two impressive blocks in quick succession within the Thunder's win over the Pelicans on Wednesday.

Patriots

The Patriots defense, which just put together its most impressive performance of the season in a win over the Bears, could soon have one in all its most talented players on the sector for the primary time in months.

Christian Barmore, New England's 25-year-old defensive tackle, has been out since July when he was diagnosed with blood clots. At that point, there was no timetable for Barmore's return and the team was reportedly preparing for him to miss your complete season in September.

But on Wednesday, Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo made an attention-grabbing statement in regards to the return plans of players who’re currently out.

“Barmore is ahead [Cole] Strange,” Mayo told reporters. “There is a possibility that [Barmore] could practice either this week or next week. There’s a chance we can get him back soon.”

Since Barmore hasn't played for the reason that first week of coaching camp, it could take a while for him to return to full fitness. But given his talent, Barmore's presence on defense (even in a limited capability) can be a significant boost for New England's line.

Without him, the Patriots struggled to stop the run for a very long time (for various reasons). Before Sunday's win over Chicago, New England had allowed opponents to rush for over 100 yards in seven straight games. That included a stretch in October wherein the Patriots gave up over 170 yards on the bottom in three straight games (all losses).

Before the season, the previous Alabama star signed a four-year contract extension potentially value as much as $92 million.

Barmore was drafted as a second-round pick by Bill Belichick and the Patriots in 2021 and quickly established himself as an impact player (making the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team). In 2023, he delivered his best statistical season, recording 8.5 sacks and 64 tackles.