The New England Patriots extended their winning streak to nine games. Yet, the injury toll is becoming heavy. Top players left tackle Will Campbell, guard Jared Wilson, defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga, and safety Brenden Schooler went out with injuries against the Bengals.
The previous loss of star defensive tackle Milton Williams was also painfully obvious today in the Patriots' inability to stop the run, a major strength earlier this season.
Williams is on injured reserve and will hopefully be able to return later on in the season after four games on the shelf. His loss is significant, especially, but not exclusively, in the running game, a major strength for the team's defense before he went out.
The Patriots gave up 120 yards on the ground against the depleted Bengals, and Chase Brown accounted for 107 of them along with a 5.6 yards per carry average. That wasn't happening before the big-ticket and big-play defensive tackle went out. He'll have to sit out at least three more games before he can return from a high ankle sprain, a tough injury.
Milton Williams is already missed on the Patriots' defense in the first game he's sidelined
With the Patriots' injury woes piling up now on the offensive line, losing Williams, a key cog on the defense is having major ramifications and none are positive. The Patriots had to eke out a six-point win against a severely undermanned Bengals team in a game that came right down to the wire.
Williams is a key not only to stopping the run game but also to the Patriots' defense; he's arguably been their best player. Mike Vrabel splashed big money on the Eagles' Super Bowl hero, and he's helped cause a tidal wave of success for the now 10-2 Patriots and their defense.
The Patriots now lead the AFC East by 2.5 games, with the Bills having a game in hand. Williams' ability to bounce back from injured reserve quickly will be a major key to the rest of the season. He's been missed as the deteriorating run defense attests.
Patriots will need Milton Williams' complete game
Milton Williams isn't only a superb run defender. He's also a top contributor in other aspects of the defense. Though not a captain, he's a leader on the critically important defensive line. He and Christian Barmore man the interior and are a pocket-collapsing force when paired inside, especially with the addition of the now-injured Tonga.
In 11 games, Williams had logged 27 total stops, 3.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, and eight quarterback hits. His presence is felt all over the defense. Getting him back after a minimum of four games out will be key to whatever playoff hopes the Patriots have.
The 2025 New England Patriots had decent luck with injuries before the past two games. Now they face ultra-adversity. They have key players on both lines who are out of action when games are won or lost. If and when key starters like Williams, Campbell, and Wilson return, it will go far toward determining how the rest of the Patriots' season unfolds. Injuries are part of the game, and one of the worst.