The Patriots placed Milton Williams on injured reserve. He suffered a reported high ankle sprain during Thursday night’s win over the New York Jets.
That means their $104 million defensive tackle, a key contributor in their front-seven, will miss the next four games against Cincinnati, the New York Giants, Buffalo, and Baltimore.
It’s a significant loss during a key stretch for the Patriots, who are 9-2, in first place in the AFC East with the best record in the NFL heading into Sunday’s games.
The Buffalo (6-3) and Baltimore (4-5) games in particular will have bearing both in the division, as well as potential conference seedings.
Williams, who was signed as an unrestricted free agent from the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles, had started all 11 games, totaling 17 tackles, 3.5 sacks and eight quarterback hits.
In other news, the Patriots signed rookie linebacker Bradyn Swinson, the team’s fifth-round draft pick out of Louisiana State.
The 6-4, 255-pounder was released at the end of training camp, and signed to the practice squad. He has some pash rush ability. In 12 starts with LSU last season, he led the team with 8.5 sacks.
The Patriots are currently enjoying a mini-bye before taking on the Bengals next Sunday.
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