The Patriots are placing Christian Barmore back on the non-football list

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore, who missed the first 10 games of the season after being diagnosed with blood clots in late July, is returning to the non-football illness list, the team announced Thursday.

Barmore, a 2021 second-round pick who the Patriots view as a building cornerstone, was signed to the 53-man roster on Nov. 16. He played in the final four games totaling 123 snaps and recorded six tackles and one sack.

The Patriots released a statement Thursday saying they made the decision with Barmore “after he experienced some recurring symptoms that required further evaluation.”

The team added: “We appreciate everything Christian has done to return to the team this season, but our top priority is Christian’s health and wellbeing. We know he will continue to receive excellent care and we want to ensure he gets the time he needs to come back stronger than ever.

In April, the 6-foot-2, 300-pound Barmore signed a four-year, $92 million contract extension that included $41.8 million in guaranteed money.

After Barmore participated in the first practice of training camp, the team announced that he had been diagnosed with blood clots and was being treated at Mass General Brigham, saying there was no timetable for his return.

The Patriots (3-11) visit the Bills (11-3) on Sunday.