On Sunday, the New England Patriots got back into the win column with an impressive road win over the Baltimore Ravens despite trailing by two possessions in the fourth quarter. The Patriots showed impressive poise–the kind that will be helpful to have come playoff time–in pulling off the win in a hostile road environment.

The Patriots have played the last month-plus without defensive end Milton Williams, who has been on injured reserve with an ankle injury, but now, there is some hope that that could change this weekend.

“I think he'll practice. I think we'll start his window, see how he responds through the week in practice, and go from there,” said head coach Mike Vrabel, per Chad Graff of The Athletic on X, formerly Twitter.

Mark Daniels also reported on X that “Milton Williams says his ankle injury wasn’t as bad as originally thought and he as relieved that he didn’t need surgery. Said he’ll see how he feels this week.”

“I’m ready to be back,” said Williams.
Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald added that Williams “said once the doctor told him he wouldn’t need surgery for his high ankle sprain he knew he might return this Sunday.”
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Overall, the Patriots would certainly like to have Williams back in the lineup as soon as possible as they gear up for their playoff push. The Patriots' defense has mostly been able to hold down the fort in his absence, but the 26 year-old certainly gives them another weapon both in run defense and in the pass rushing department.
In any case, Milton's potential return game could come this Sunday against the New York Jets on the road. In that contest, New England will look to stay alive in the hunt for the number one seed in the AFC. Kickoff is set for 1:00 pm ET from the Meadowlands.