Milton Williams and Will Campbell’s Return Plan Fuels Patriots’ Playoff Hopes
Defensive tackle Milton Williams remains on injured reserve and isn’t eligible for activation until Week 17. Meanwhile, rookie offensive tackle Will Campbell is set to return just one game later. Despite these setbacks, the New England Patriots are making strides to keep their sidelined stars engaged and poised for a comeback when they regain their health.
Injury Impact on the Team
Williams’ injury, a high-ankle sprain sustained during the Week 11 matchup against the New York Jets, significantly impacted the Patriots’ defensive front. His absence was felt deeply, as the team relies heavily on his presence in the trenches. Just a week later, Campbell’s situation took a turn for the worse when reports indicated he suffered a significant MCL sprain against the Cincinnati Bengals, resulting in his placement on injured reserve.
Positive Signs of Recovery
In a hopeful development this week, both players were seen in the locker room without any visible braces or boots, signaling potential progress in their recovery. These appearances have sparked optimism among fans and teammates alike regarding their return to the field.
Coach’s Insight on the Recovery Process
Head coach Mike Vrabel addressed the situation, providing insights into the team’s meticulous approach to reintegrating injured players. “We’ll get them back,” Vrabel stated confidently. He elaborated on the individualized plans devised for each player, emphasizing the importance of maintaining their involvement in team activities, even while they are rehabbing.
“We have a plan for each guy,” he added. “I appreciate them being good with the plan that we have, talking about being in the meetings, then getting out of meetings early, going to rehab so that there’s some timing, and we’re not overloading the training room.”
Vrabel explained that typically a week before players are ready to practice, they are brought into full-time meetings to ramp up their engagement with the team. The timeline for each player’s return varies, as he noted, “whether that’s at three weeks or that’s at five or six weeks, it’s all different, but that’s kind of how we plan it out with players that are on injured reserve.”
With Williams and Campbell’s potential return on the horizon, the Patriots’ playoff aspirations remain alive, bolstered by the resilience of their sidelined stars and the strategic planning of their coaching staff.
