Thursday’s win over the Jets was a costly one for the AFC East-leading Patriots.
Starting defensive tackle Milton Williams could miss multiple weeks with a high-ankle sprain suffered in New England’s 27-14 victory, ESPN reported.
Williams, who signed a four-year deal with the Pats worth $104 million as a free agent from the Eagles, was injured in the first quarter of Thursday’s game. He attempted to return later in the first half, but he was ruled out at halftime.
“I made a decision that we felt like we should probably just start treating that thing and get ahead of it and see where he’s at the next couple of days,” Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said after the game.
“He wanted to try to go. I just made a decision that I felt was best for the team for this instance.”
Milton Williams (97) of the New England Patriots attempts to corral Rachaad White (1) of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New England Patriots, Sunday, November 9, 2025 at Raymond James Stadium Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The 26-year-old Williams has enjoyed a strong first season in Foxborough with 27 tackles and 3.5 sacks through the resurgent Patriots’ 9-2 start ahead of next week’s road game against the Bengals.
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With the addition of Williams, the Pats have yielded an NFL-low 84.7 rushing yards per game this season.
He spent the previous four years with the Eagles, including last year’s Super Bowl title run, totaling 11.5 sacks and two forced fumbles over 67 games.
If Williams can’t play next week in Cincinnati, the Patriots would have to turn to a backup defensive lineman such as Khyiris Tonga, Cory Durden or Joshua Farmer on the inside.
