Patriots Open Milton Williams Return Window

FOXBOROUGH, MA. — The New England Patriots defense has clearly missed the prowess and productivity of defensive tackle Milton Williams.

Having been placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury in mid-November, the veteran defender is set to return to practice this week, per Pats head coach Mike Vrabel. Per NFL regulations, Williams has been out for the past four games and is now eligible to return for New England’s Week 17 matchup against the New York Jets.

Williams was originally expected to be sidelined “multiple weeks” after suffering a high ankle sprain in the opening drive of their Week 11 victory against the New York Jets. He was limited to only eight defensive snaps. Though he briefly returned to one-field action later the first half, Williams was eventually ruled out for the remainder of the game.

Williams’ absence has been a significant concern for the Patriots. In addition to being one of their most beloved players, Williams has also served as arguably their top defender since signing with the team this offseason. In 11 games this season, the 6’3” 290-pound defender has compiled 27 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, eight quarterback hits, one pass breakup and eight run-stuffs. Accordingly, Williams has proven himself quite worthy of his four-year, $104 million contract — which he signed with New England during the offseason.

Patriots Need Milton Williams for the Playoffs

New England Patriots defensive end Milton Williams (97) celebrates sacking Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) during the third quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. | Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Still, Williams’ impact on New England defense is felt far beyond the stat sheets. Rather than reading and reacting to run or pass — as they had in previous seasons — New England’s defensive front has become unlocked to get upfield, leading to more plays behind the line of scrimmage. Williams’ presence has been a key reason for that improvement. Last season, the Pats struggled to generate early-down pressure. This season, alongside fellow defensive tackle Christian Barmore, the Pats now provide one of the top defensive line tandem’s in the NFL.

Upon his return to the practice fields, New England will officially designate Williams for return at some point this week. Since suffering his injury in Week 11, and the Patriots' run defense has notable regressed. has been trampled by Baltimore Ravens’ All-Pro Derrick Henry (18 carries -128 yards -2 rushing touchdowns), Buffalo Bills dual-threat back James Cook (22-107-2), the New York Giants duo of Tyrone Tracy and Devin Singletary (22-104-1) and Cincinnati Bengals rusher Chase Brown (19-107-0) with Williams out of the lineup.

In Williams’ absence, third-year tackle Cory Durden aligned on the right side of the defensive edge. The 6’4” 305-pounder has played in 15 games games and has 25 total tackles, three tackles-for-loss and five run stuffs.

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