The Patriots are getting some much-needed reinforcements on the defensive front, as defensive tackle Milton Williams has been designated to return from injured reserve. This move opens a 21-day window for the team to evaluate him in practice before deciding whether to activate him to the 53-man roster or shut him down for the remainder of the season.
Williams has been sidelined since Week 11 with an ankle injury, and his absence has been felt. At 26 years old, the former third-round pick out of Louisiana Tech was carving out a key role in New England’s rotation before going down. His ability to disrupt the interior and create pressure up the middle had become a valuable asset for a defense that leans heavily on versatility and toughness in the trenches.
Originally drafted by the Eagles in 2021, Williams played out his rookie contract-a four-year, $5.1 million deal-before hitting free agency. He was initially expected to land with the Panthers, but in a late twist, he signed a massive four-year, $104 million deal with the Patriots. That kind of investment speaks volumes about how New England views his potential impact, both now and in the seasons ahead.
Before the injury, Williams had appeared in 11 games this season, racking up 27 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and a pass defended. Those numbers don’t just show production-they show disruption. He’s not just a space-eater; he’s a playmaker, capable of collapsing the pocket and blowing up run plays behind the line of scrimmage.
If he can return to form, Williams could give the Patriots a late-season boost in the trenches-something every team in the playoff hunt is hungry for. His return would also allow the coaching staff to rotate more freely up front, keeping legs fresh and matchups favorable as the stakes rise.
The countdown is on. New England has three weeks to make the call, but getting Williams back on the field could be a game-changer down the stretch.