"With Williams out, the Patriots' defensive front has noticeably taken a step back in recent weeks. New England's recorded just six sacks in the last four games, while allowing 570 rushing yards on 4.8 yards per carry over that stretch. Prior to the injury, Williams had been one of the NFL's best defensive tackles at generating pressure. His 14 percent pass-rush win rate was the third-best at the position at the time of his injury, and his 35 pressures are the second-most among defensive tackles."
"Williams returned to practice this week after suffering an ankle sprain in the Patriots' Week 11 win over the Jets, with the team placing him on injured reserve shortly after that loss. Williams's return to practice started the Patriots' 21-day window to either activate or lose him for the rest of the season. He assured MassLive's Karen Guregian that he'll return, though, saying he's "definitely close" to getting activated."
Milton Williams (ankle) will not be activated off injured reserve for Sunday's game against the Jets, and six other players are ruled out. TreVeyon Henderson (concussion) practiced without the red non-contact tag and is questionable. Robert Spillane (ankle), Harold Landry (knee), Khyiris Tonga (foot), Jared Wilson (concussion), Kayshon Boutte (concussion), and Mack Hollins (abdomen) are ruled out. DeMario Douglas is questionable with a hamstring issue. Williams' absence has reduced the Patriots' interior pass-rush and contributed to a slide in sack production and run defense, with only six sacks and 570 rushing yards allowed in the last four games.
Read at Boston.com
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