Overview

• Head coach Mike Vrabel said Williams has prostate cancer, is consulting specialists on a care plan, and will receive treatment in the New England area.
• Patriots players wore “T Strong” shirts during Week 4 warmups at Gillette Stadium to show support for the defensive coordinator, who was not on the sideline.
• Inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr handled defensive play-calling with Williams away from day-to-day duties.
• Vrabel underscored that supporting Williams is separate from the results of a football game and said Williams is welcome around the team as his health allows.
• New England defeated Carolina to improve to 2-2, pairing a turnover-free offense with third‑down stops on defense.