The New England Patriots will be down a key contributor with Christian Barmore out.
The starting defensive tackle is out indefinitely after being diagnosed with blood clots, and the team is preparing for the possibility that he could miss the entire 2024 season.
Other defenders will be forced to step up. Defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery called out defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale to be one of those guys.
Ekuale has been with the organization since 2021. He had two sacks in back-to-back seasons as a rotational piece for the Patriots, before going down with a torn biceps in 2023.
Now, he could be in line to see his play time increase significantly. Pro Football Network’s Dakota Randall spoke to Montgomery about Ekuale stepping up on defense in the absence of Barmore.
“He’s gonna have to, right? He’s who we have. 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,” said Montgomery.
Asked Jerry Montgomery whether Daniel Ekuale must contribute on early downs with Christian Barmore out:
"He's gonna have to, right? He's who we have. I think he's had a decent camp — but shit or get off the pot, right? It's his time to shine, so take advantage of that…
— Dakota Randall (@DakRandall) September 5, 2024
There will certainly be a major hole to fill on the Patriots’ defensive line. With that being said, Ekuale has the experience and familiarity with the system in order to make that leap.
