Overview
- New England announced Williams was moved to injured reserve after he suffered a high-ankle sprain in Thursday’s win over the Jets.
- Williams was hurt on the opening drive, briefly tried to return, then was shut down at halftime as coach Mike Vrabel prioritized treatment.
- The Patriots are expected to lean on Christian Barmore with help from Khyiris Tonga, Cory Durden, rookie Joshua Farmer, and rookie Eric Gregory, with practice-squad DE Jeremiah Pharms also in consideration.
- Through 11 starts, Williams logged 27 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and eight QB hits as a key piece of a defense allowing an NFL-low 84.7 rushing yards per game.
- New England sits at 9-2 and faces the Bengals in Week 12 and the Giants on Dec. 1 before a Week 14 bye that could offer added recovery time.