The New England Patriots will look to continue their ongoing surge without one of their defensive stars.
Milton Williams was placed on injured reserve due to a high ankle sprain he suffered in Thursday night's win over the Jets, the team announced on Saturday.
The Patriots defensive lineman played only eight snaps in Week 11 before the ankle injury sidelined him for the remainder of the game.
Williams, one of the top free-agent signings ahead of the 2025 season, has been a valuable factor for the Patriots' much-improved defense.
New England boasts the league's top run defense through Week 11, allowing 84.7 rushing yards per game. The Patriots rank 8th in total yards allowed per game (300.6) and 5th in points allowed (18.7).
Starting all 11 games so far, Williams has generated 27 total tackles (seven for loss) and 3.5 sacks (eight QB hits) in that effort.
The Patriots sit atop the AFC with a 9-2 record following Thursday night's win. Maintaining that position will require young players to step up in Williams' absence for the next few games, including rookies Eric Gregory and Joshua Farmer. Practice squad defensive end Jeremiah Pharms might also get his number called.
