The New England Patriots made a series of roster transactions ahead of their regular-season finale against the Miami Dolphins. With two players ready to make their return from injured reserve, New England needed to adjust their roster accordingly for Week 18.
In doing so, the Patriots officially activated rookie left tackle Will Campbell (knee) and star defensive tackle Milton Williams (ankle) from IR to the 53-man roster. It’s worth mentioning that the Pats had only one available roster spot, so to clear another one, New England waived defensive tackle Jeremiah Pharms Jr., as the corresponding roster move.
Pharms was signed to the 53-man roster just over a week ago from the practice squad, where he’s spent most of this season and his career since joining New England in 2022. The Patriots can re-sign Pharms to the practice squad this season if he clears waivers. If he does, his roster elevations reset for the playoffs, which will give the Patriots roster versatility for when they need it.
Milton Williams, Will Campbell Return News Is Just What Patriots Need for Playoffs
Both Campbell and Williams are expected to play on Sunday, and it will be great for them to get back into the rhythm of live action after being sidelined for weeks, but it’s an even better sign that they’ll be available for their playoff run. Williams was placed on IR after Week 11, and Campbell after Week 12, and their returns couldn’t come at a better time for the Patriots.
For the defense, Williams is returning at the perfect time. Even though it’s Week 18, the Patriots are down three starters, two of whom play on the defensive line in Harold Landry and Khyris Tonga.
Meanwhile, linebacker Robert Spillane will also be out for this game. Williams hasn’t played in five weeks, and he is still leading all defensive tackles on the team in tackles (27) and sacks (3.5).
With Williams on the field for the first 11 games, the Patriots were one of the top defenses against the run, only allowing 84.7 yards per game. They didn’t allow a running back to run for at least 50 yards against them until Week 10.
Without him on the field, the Patriots’ run defense took a significant hit over the last five weeks. They’ve given up at least 111 rushing yards since 12. That includes giving up 167.6 rushing yards per game over their past three games.
Williams' return should make his line partner Christian Barmore, happy, as he’s been handling a majority of the defensive line duties and taking on the double teams. With Williams back in the mix, opposing offensive lines will have to manage who to attack on each play rather than just taking it to Barmore on every play. The Williams-Barmore tandem should wreak havoc in the playoffs.
For the offense, Campbell returning to left tackle is a godsend for this team. Although backup Vederian Lowe has played well while stepping up in relief, having Campbell play in Week 18 to get his feet back under him will be invaluable heading into the playoffs.
The rookie has performed as the Patriots expected, which is to be a franchise left tackle for them. Before his injury, Campbell showcased as the second-best rookie tackle in the 2025 draft class by only allowing a 5.4% pressure rate. Furthermore, he has only given up four hits and five sacks on 25 total pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.
Campbell was a full participant in practice all week, which is a telltale sign that he’s in good shape for Week 18 and right into what should be a hopeful deep postseason run for the Patriots.
It’s worth mentioning that the Patriots are still without starting left guard Jared Wilson, as the rookie is still in the concussion protocol after their Week 16 win over the Baltimore Ravens. Stepping up in his place has been backup offensive lineman Ben Brown, and it’s expected that he will be the starter for Week 18 alongside Campbell. The last time that Campbell and Brown played next to each other was in Week 4.
To ensure roster depth for this week, the Patriots elevated offensive lineman Brenden Jaimes and defensive lineman Leonard Taylor III from the practice squad. They’ll be able to do this again during the playoffs if needed.
One last note on Week 18. The Patriots have some playoff implications attached to this week regarding their seeding and first-round opponent.