On Saturday, the Patriots (9-2) announced standout defensive tackle Milton Williams would be placed on IR, meaning the Super Bowl champion from a season ago will miss a minimum of four games as he recovers from a reported high ankle sprain.
In a corresponding move, the Patriots called up rookie pass rusher Bradyn Swinson from the practice squad.
Here’s what the Patriots said in a statement on Saturday evening:
“The New England Patriots announced today that they have placed DT Milton Williams on injured reserve and signed rookie LB Bradyn Swinson to the 53-man roster from the practice squad.
“Williams has started all 11 games for New England and has 17 total tackles, 3½ sacks and 8 quarterback hits. He was signed as an unrestricted free agent from Philadelphia on March 13, 2025, after four seasons with the Eagles.
“Swinson, 23, was drafted by New England in the fifth-round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Louisiana State. The 6-foot-4, 255-pounder, was released at the end of training camp and signed to the practice squad. He played in 13 games with 12 starts last season for LSU and led the team with 8.5 sacks.”
Williams has been the anchor of a defensive unit that has been among the best against the run in all football in 2025. While there were some in the media who questioned whether or not his four-year, $104 million contract this offseason was an overpay for someone who was a rotational player for the Eagles (7-2), it’s clear that Louisiana Tech-product has been worth every penny so far for New England.
With Williams out, it’s time for fellow defensive tackle Christian Barmore to step up and show why he’s worth the four-year, $84 million deal he signed ahead of last season. While Barmore has been a nice compliment next to Williams, it’s been clear through 11 games that Williams is the standout of that unit. In his absence, Barmore has a chance to remind everyone why he was considered by some to be the best player on the roster after the 2023 season.
As of publishing, Williams’ placement on IR has had no impact on the betting markets, as the Patriots remain a 5.5-point favorite for Week 12 in Cincinnati.
Tune in each and every Monday throughout the football season to Patriots Monday on WEEI. Head coach Mike Vrabel joins The Greg Hill Show at 6:30 a.m. ET, and quarterback Drake Maye joins WEEI Afternoons.