Defensive tackle Christian Barmore practiced for the first time this season with his New England Patriots teammates on Thursday. Barmore was hospitalized for blood clots when New England convened for training camp in July, and he has spent the season on the reserve/non-football injury list.

And when the Patriots do get him back on the field, he can add a valuable element that will continue to help out a pass rush that generated nine sacks in Week 10 and a run defense that held the Bears to 3.6 yards per carry in Sunday’s win.

Barmore’s participation means the Patriots have opened the 21-day window to activate him to the 53-man roster.