New England Patriots’ defensive tackle Milton Williams suffered an apparent ankle injury in the opening drive against the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football. The prized $104 million offseason acquisition collided with Christian Barmore, who was blocked into him. After initially being examined in the medical tent and the locker room, Williams briefly returned in the second quarter but was later ruled out for the remainder of the game.
New England Patriots provide injury update on prized acquisition
New England Patriots, Milton Williams
Oct 26, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Milton Williams (97) walks to the field prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, tests confirmed a high-ankle sprain for Milton Williams, which typically requires a recovery of four to six weeks, depending on the severity. While it’s unclear whether the Patriots will place him on injured reserve, he could miss multiple weeks. There is a chance Williams returns in Week 15 against the Buffalo Bills following the Week 14 BYE.
Patriots DE Milton Williams could miss multiple weeks due to a high ankle sprain, per source.
The New England standout left Thursday night’s game vs the Jets and did not return. pic.twitter.com/unnmf8KXGm
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) November 15, 2025
The impact of his injury
New England Patriots, Milton Williams
Oct 5, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Milton Williams (97) leaves the field after warming up before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
Milton Williams’ injury negatively impacts the Patriots’ defense because he is one of the team’s best pass rushers. He ranks third in pressures with 35, fourth in hurries with 26, and third in sacks with 3.5. Williams is also among the league’s top pass rushers as an interior defensive lineman, currently sitting second in pressures and third in hurries, per PFF.
Lastly, Williams’ absence affects the team’s rotation, as he plays the second-most snaps at the position, logging 61% compared to Christian Barmore’s 64%. With him out of the lineup, the defense must rely on inexperienced players to step up.
Who replaces him?
New England Patriots, Cory Durden
Nov 2, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and defensive tackle Cory Durden (94) talk with line judge Walter Flowers (32) during the first half of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Cory Durden is expected to start at defensive tackle along with starters Christian Barmore and Khyiris Tonga. The former undrafted free agent played a career-high 60% of defensive snaps on Thursday night, logging just one tackle. Meanwhile, reserves Eric Gregory, and, once healthy, Joshua Farmer are expected to see an increased role
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