FOXBORO – Just after announcing there were no expectations for defensive tackle Christian Barmore, who returned from a blood clot diagnosis in July, Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo left the door open for defensive tackle to play this weekend against the Rams.

But Barmore was not seen at Friday’s practice, which started about an hour after Mayo said he had a chance to play.

Sources told the Herald Barmore’s absence was part of a ramp-up period as he came off blood-thinning medications after missing the first 10 weeks of the season and most of training camp.