The New England Patriots are activating Christian Barmore from the reserve/non-football illness list and the star defensive tackle is expected to play on Sunday versus the Los Angeles Rams, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Saturday, per a source.

Barmore has not played yet this season after being diagnosed and treated for blood clots during training camp. Almost four months later, the 25-year-old returned to practice this week to the excitement of his teammates and coaches alike.

“Just to see Barmore out there was a great sight to see,” head coach Jerod Mayo said Friday. “The expectation is there is no expectation. When he’s ready to go, he will play. I know he’s excited, and he’s been wanting to get back on the field for a long time.”

Mayo said the team would be deliberate in the process of getting Barmore officially back on the field, following recommendations from the team doctors as they determined whether he could play this week.

Though his activation signals that Barmore has cleared the necessary hurdles to participate Sunday, Mayo said, as is the case with any player returning from a long-term injury, they will “see what he can handle and we’ll go from there.”

Barmore was a second-round selection by New England in 2021. In his three seasons, Barmore has racked up 12.5 sacks, 133 tackles and 32 QB hits, tacking on nine passes defensed and a forced fumble. His 8.5-sack effort in 2023 earned him a four-year, $83 million extension he signed in April.

With his activation Barmore has taken the next step toward his return to football, a long journey back that is expected to reach its end with Sunday’s game versus the Rams.