New England Patriots - NESN.com
Right after welcoming back Christian Gonzalez, the New England Patriots may have to worry about another star defender’s availability.
Multiple reporters noted that Milton Williams wasn’t on the field for the open portion of Thursday’s practice. The star defensive tackle was listed on Wednesday’s injury report as a limited participant due to an ankle injury.
The Patriots could be treating their newcomer with extreme caution ahead of a massive “Sunday Night Football” game against the Buffalo Bills. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said Williams’ injury isn’t believed to be significant.
New England signed Williams to a four-year, $104 million deal after winning a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles. It’s looked like a wise investment so far, as the 26-year-old has tallied two sacks while anchoring a defense that tied for the NFL’s second-fewest rushing yards allowed per game (77.5).
The Patriots can’t afford to lose Williams before playing the Bills, who have averaged a league-best 163.5 rushing yards per game during an undefeated start. Williams offered no indication that his Week 5 status was in jeopardy when discussing the division matchup on Wednesday.
“These are my favorite type of games,” Williams said. “In the lights, primetime, you know everybody’s watching. These are the type of games that I live for, so it’s gonna be good.”
On a brighter note, safety Jaylin Hawkins (hamstring) and edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson (knee) returned to practice on Thursday. The Patriots can use all hands on deck when attempting to upset the Bills at Orchard Park.
Sunday night’s AFC East showdown starts at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC.
