Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Mike Vrabel Announces Patriots Injury Development on Thursday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Athlon Trending News Team | Last updated Nov 14, 2025 11:18 AM ET

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel offered an update on defensive end Milton Williams following Thursday’s 27-14 win over the New York Jets.

Williams, a Super Bowl winner with the Philadelphia Eagles last season, has been a key player for the Patriots in 2025, having recorded 27 total tackles and 3.5 sacks.

Given his importance, there was some concern after he exited the game during the opening drive on Thursday night. Williams initially went into the blue medical tent and was later taken to the locker room for further assessment.

He eventually returned to the sideline but was officially ruled out with an ankle injury in the second half, with Vrabel opting to keep him out of the game.

New England Patriots defensive end Milton Williams (97) walks to the practice fields at Gillette Stadium.© Eric Canha-Imagn Images

The head coach addressed the decision in front of reporters after the win, revealing that the player wanted to go back in.

"I made a decision that we felt like we should probably just start treating that thing and get ahead of it and see where he's at here tomorrow, the next couple of days, and try to weigh -- again, he wanted to try to go," he said.

"He's out here standing with me when guys are coming in, and he's excited for them, so I appreciate his leadership, but I just made a decision that I felt like was best for the team for his instance."

Mike Vrabel said Milton Williams (ankle) wanted to keep playing, but Vrabel thought it was in the best interest of the team to shut him down for the night. He’ll be reevaluated tomorrow.
— Zack Cox (@zm_cox) November 14, 2025

Vrabel’s decision was likely made easier by the fact that he was facing a 2-8 team playing without a top wide receiver in Garrett Wilson.

Williams joined the Pats on a four-year, $104 million deal in the offseason and has so far proven to be money well spent. Apart from the stats noted above, he has made eight stuffs and defended one pass.

That he was keen on returning to the field is undoubtedly a good sign, and the slightly longer week between games should also help. However, he’s going to be a player to keep an eye on over the coming days.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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