Milton Williams has 14 tackles and 3.5 sacks this season for the Patriots.
Milton Williams has 14 tackles and 3.5 sacks this season for the Patriots.Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff
The Patriots placed defensive tackle Milton Williams on injured reserve Saturday.
He will now miss at least the next four games (at Cincinnati, vs. Giants, vs. Bills, and at Baltimore).
Williams suffered an ankle injury early in the first half of Thursday night’s win over the Jets. The team initially listed Williams as questionable to play — and he did return to the field — before downgrading him to out.
Coach Mike Vrabel said after the game he ultimately wanted to “get ahead” on a treatment plan. Williams was spotted walking in the locker room with a wrap around his left ankle.
Williams, who signed the richest contract in franchise history this offseason, was a standout defensive player through 11 games this season. He has played an integral role in establishing New England’s top-rated run defense, in addition to contributing to the pass rush.
With Williams out, the Patriots could turn more to Khyiris Tonga, Cory Durden, Eric Gregory, and rookie Joshua Farmer to play alongside Christian Barmore.
Nicole Yang can be reached at nicole.yang@globe.com.Follow her @nicolecyang.