FOXBORO — Patriots defensive deal with Milton Williams was non-committal this week when requested if he’ll make his return off injured reserve Sunday in opposition to the Dolphins.
Williams, who suffered an ankle damage in 11 in opposition to the Jets, returned to practice final week however wasn’t activated in time to play Week 17 in opposition to the Jets. He was restricted in apply on Wednesday as he continues to check his ankle damage.
“We’ll see,” Williams mentioned. “I’m feeling higher than final week, I’ll say that, however we’ll see.”
Williams additionally mentioned he wanted to get again in soccer form and construct his “lung capability” again up after sitting out the previous 5 weeks.
He was requested if it was the ankle damage or conditioning that was maintaining him off the sector.
“I didn’t have as a lot confidence as I do that week,” Williams mentioned. “Final week was nonetheless somewhat shaky on simply trusting (the ankle). Feeling higher this week. I’ll see if we’re capable of go on Sunday.”
Williams did study that he liked soccer greater than he initially thought throughout his day off the sector.
The fifth-year veteran was one of many Patriots’ finest defenders via the primary 11 weeks of the season after signing a four-year, $104 million contract in free company this offseason.
The Patriots’ run protection took a nostril dive in Williams’ absence, and their move rush has not been as constant, as properly.
“It’s been exhausting watching,” Williams mentioned. “I’ve watched all my video games from this season again like 3 times. Simply bored. Obtained nothing to do. Like, ‘Man, I bought to get again to this participant that I used to be after we began the season.’ That’s been my mindset getting again, getting again wholesome and simply attempting to come back again and assist this workforce win video games.”
Patriots left deal with Will Campbell (knee) and cornerback Alex Austin (wrist), who’re additionally nonetheless on injured reserve, returned to apply this week. So, the Patriots may very well be getting a lift earlier than the playoffs start subsequent week.
