The Patriots will soon have to find a new curator for their “Friday Funny” series.

New England has relied on defensive tackle Christian Barmore to contribute in that capacity throughout the season, giving him something to do while sidelined with blood clots that were discovered during training camp. It’s looking like he’ll soon have to shift back toward football activities, however.

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo made the relatively surprising admission on Wednesday.

“Barmore is ahead of (Cole) Strange,” Mayo said, per team-provided video. “There is a chance that (Barmore) could practice either this week or next week. There’s a chance that we get him back soon.”

Barmore was hospitalized with blood clots during the first week of camp and hasn’t played since. New England placed him on the reserve/non-football injury list, and though he can return to practice at any time, it’s been a question as to whether that time would come.

It did, and the next question will revolve around how soon he can get into game action.