FOXBOROUGH — Milton Williams has proved to be worth every penny so far this season, making big plays in key moments for the Patriots. So, it was certainly concerning when the star defensive tackle left Thursday’s game against the New York Jets during the opening drive and headed into the blue medical tent.
Williams then proceeded to the locker room for further evaluation. However, fans may have breathed a sigh of relief when he was spotted on the sidelines with his helmet on, appearing ready to return to the game.
While he did briefly return to the field, head coach Mike Vrabel ultimately made the decision to keep him out. Williams was officially announced as out for the second half with an ankle injury.
“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 here tomorrow, the next couple of days and try to weigh — again, he wanted to try to go,” Vrabel said after the game. “He’s out here standing with me when guys are coming in, and he’s excited for them, so I appreciate his leadership, but I just made a decision that I felt like was best for the team for his instance.”
Williams signed with the Patriots this offseason on a four-year deal worth $104 million, making him the highest-paid player in franchise history. Through 11 games, he has recorded 27 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, one pass defended, and eight stuffs.
The good news is that with Williams pushing to return, it certainly seems like this isn’t a serious injury that will sideline him for an extended period. Nonetheless, it’s something Patriots fans will want to keep an eye on in the coming days.
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