When will Milton Williams return? Update on injury and timeline for Patriots DT's comeback

The New England Patriots will continue without defensive tackle Milton Williams as they face the New York Giants in Week 13 on Monday night. Williams has been sidelined since Week 11 due to a high-ankle sprain, which has placed him on injured reserve, requiring a minimum four-game absence.

Williams plays a crucial role in the Patriots' defensive lineup, making his absence significantly impactful. Here is the latest information regarding his potential return:

• By the end of the Week 13 matchup against the Giants, Williams will have missed two games.
• Considering the Patriots Week 14 bye, the earliest he could return is Week 17 against the New York Jets.
• Recovery from a high-ankle sprain can sometimes extend up to six weeks, meaning a Week 18 comeback is also possible.

The key objective for the Patriots is to have Williams available by the playoffs. Current projections suggest he will return no later than the teams first playoff game, whether that falls in the wild card or divisional round, depending on the Patriots final seeding.

Author: Sophia Brooks