FOXBORO — The Patriots could eventually receive a massive defensive boost this season.

Defensive tackle Christian Barmore, who’s currently on the non-football illness list with blood clots, recently posted an hourglass emoji on Twitter, prompting a question to head coach Jerod Mayo about Barmore’s current status.

“He’s progressing,” Mayo said. “He still has some checkpoints or hurdles to get over, but he’s progressing.”

Mayo was asked if he believes there’s a better chance that Barmore could return now than he might have felt a few weeks ago.

“I would say yes,” Mayo said.

Barmore received a four-year, $84 million contract extension with the Patriots in April. Shortly into training camp, he was diagnosed with blood clots and missed the rest of the summer. He began the season on the non-football illness/designated to return list and has been around the team.

The 2021 second-round pick was one of the NFL’s best defensive tackles last season, registering 8.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss and 16 QB hits in 17 games. Daniel Ekuale has taken on a bigger role this season, helping to replace Barmore.