The Patriots lost Sunday to the Rams, but the game did bring the incredible return of defensive tackle Christian Barmore, who made his season debut despite practicing once since being diagnosed with blood clots in July.

Barmore played 21 snaps and registered three tackles in the loss.

“I would say first and foremost, it was just good to see him out there,” head coach Jerod Mayo said of Barmore. “There are definitely things we have to work on, and I would say the number one thing is just pad level. It was really his first time being in pads, and I look forward to seeing him continue to progress.”

Barmore didn’t practice Wednesday when the Patriots were in full pads, was limited in Thursday’s practice and then didn’t participate in Friday’s session. Two sources said the Patriots still must limit his exertion in back-to-back days as he weans off of blood thinners.

Patriots new addition Yannick Ngakoue also made his debut, playing 14 snaps but not registering any statistics.

“He did some good things, I would say,” Mayo said. “He’s a very smart individual. Look, we’ll continue to load up his plate this weekend. I anticipate him playing more as we move forward.”

Ngakoue, a nine-year veteran player, primarily saw the field in obvious passing situations. The Patriots generated just seven total pressures against the Rams.