The New England Patriots have now won eight-straight games after taking down the New York Jets, 27-14, on Thursday night. The Patriots got another stellar performance from starting QB Drake Maye and rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson, who scored three total touchdowns in the double-digit win.
If you’re a Patriots fan, there was a lot to love about this performance by the team. However, New England fans did not love seeing defensive tackle Milton Williams limp off the field in the first quarter due to an ankle injury. Williams tried to return to the game in the second quarter, but was ultimately ruled out after only playing eight snaps.
As you can imagine, Patriots fans were nervous to see Williams’ exit, as he’s played a huge part in the team’s resurgence this season. Following the win on Thursday night, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel provided an optimistic update on the veteran defensive lineman.
According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, Vrabel said that Williams wanted to play through his injury, but he made the decision “to get ahead” of things by keeping the first-year Patriot out of the game.
Reiss also adds that Vrabel told reporters that the veteran defender was standing next to him, congratulating the team after the game.
Mike Vrabel Provides Initial Milton Williams Injury Update Following TNF Win
The Patriots' head coach took the right approach with Williams, as this team has bigger goals in mind that they want to accomplish.
Now, could New England’s run defense and pass rush have used Williams on the field? Yes, as the Jets ran for 140 yards on the ground, while the Patriots only sacked Justin Fields twice.
However, one of those sacks came from Christian Barmore, Williams’ running mate at DT, who had a good game on Thursday night. Barmore racked up three total tackles, two QB hits, a sack, and a tackle for loss.
The last time Barmore registered a sack was on Nov. 24, 2024, against the Miami Dolphins. If the Patriots can get Barmore going, along with Williams, good luck trying to slow down this defense.
As for Williams, the hope is that his ankle injury isn’t too serious after barely playing against the Jets. That said, the good news for him and the Patriots is that they don’t play again until Nov. 23 against the Cincinnati Bengals, giving him more than enough time to heal.