The Patriots are paying defensive tackle Christian Barmore his full 2024 salary amid his ongoing absence due to blood clots, a source confirmed to the Herald.

Teams are not required to pay players, like Barmore, who are on a Non-Football Injury (NFI) list. The Patriots placed Barmore on NFI last week with a designation to return. Per league rules, he could return as soon as Week 5, but it’s unclear if/when the 25-year-old will be able to see the field.

“That was just leaving open the possibility,” Patriots coach Jerod Mayo said last week of placing Barmore on NFI. “Once again, look, we want Barmore to be healthy, and when he’s healthy, he’ll be out there.”

The Patriots signed Barmore to a four-year, $84 million extension last April, making him the second-highest-paid player in franchise history behind only Tom Brady. He received $41.8 million guaranteed, including an $18 million signing bonus. Barmore 2024 base salary is just over $1.8 million.

Barmore was diagnosed with blood clots in late July. He participated in the team’s first two training camp practices, then sat out the rest of the summer. In a statement released July 28, the Patriots said of Barmore’s diagnosis: “He was appropriately treated by the doctors at Mass General Brigham, who tested, evaluated and treated Christian. Our principal concern at this time is Christian’s health and wellbeing. Fortunately, Mass General Brigham provides some of the best healthcare in the world. While there is no timetable for his return, we know Christian is getting tremendous care and we look forward to his full recovery.”

The NFL Network first reported the Patriots are paying Barmore his full 2024 salary.