It hasn’t taken long for the New England Patriots to receive a significant update regarding the injury status of $104 million defensive tackle Milton Williams. Unfortunately, it might not be the news the AFC East leaders hoped to hear.
Williams left early during the Patriots’ 27-14 win over the New York Jets and was subsequently held out by head coach Mike Vrabel due to concerns about an ankle problem. Those concerns were well-founded. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, reporting on Saturday, November 15, Williams “could miss multiple weeks due to a high ankle sprain, per source.”
A timeline of multiple weeks on the sidelines would be tough news for a defense that was revitalized by the additions of Williams and several other high-priced free agents this offseason. The former Philadelphia Eagles standout, who notched two sacks in last season’s Super Bowl, has arguably been the most important newcomer. Williams has been key in pushing the pocket and serving as a formidable force in a stingy run defense that showed some signs of weakness against the Jets.
Being without Williams for an extended period would force the Patriots to rely on less dynamic athletes along the defensive interior. The obvious candidates to fill his role are Cory Durden and 2025 NFL draft fourth-round pick Joshua Farmer.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/new-england-patriots/milton-williams-injury-news-jets/
