FOXBOROUGH – Will the Patriots be missing a key piece this weekend?
On Thursday, the Patriots didn’t have Milton Williams at practice. The game-wrecking defensive tackle popped up on the injury report this week when he was limited in Wednesday’s session with an ankle injury.
Signed to the largest contract in franchise history, Williams came to the Patriots as their marquee free agent signing. The 26-year-old wasted little time making an impact, starting immediately and punishing opposing offensive lines.
In four games, Williams has nine tackles, two sacks, and three quarterback hits. His impact goes beyond numbers as his ability to create pressure often leads to sacks for other players, such as K’Lavon Chaisson, who was credited with a sack last weekend on a Williams pressure.
On Wednesday, before practice, Williams said he was looking forward to the Patriots’ upcoming matchup in Buffalo.
“I’ve never been there,” Williams said. “I’ve been seeing the videos of the fan going crazy, jumping off stuff, and throwing snowballs. Those fans are diehard. It’s going to be a fun environment to play in.”
If Williams can’t play on Sunday in Buffalo, it’ll create a massive void in the Patriots defensive line. The veteran has created a dynamic 1-2 punch with fellow defensive lineman Christian Barmore this season. Other options on the depth chart include Khyiris Tonga, Joshua Farmer, Corey Durden, and Eric Gregory.
This game will be big for the Patriots defensive line as they try to contain Bills quarterback Josh Allen and running back James Cook. On Wednesday, Williams said Buffalo also has the best offensive line that the Patriots will face this season.
“It ain’t going to be just the d-line or any particular group,” Williams said Wednesday. “It’s going to take everybody being on the same page executing.”
The Patriots did get some good news on Thursday as safety Jaylin Hawkins (hamstring) and edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson (knee) returned to practice.