FOXBORO — It sounds like Patriots defensive tackle Milton Williams avoided a serious injury in Thursday night’s win over the Jets.

Williams injured his ankle, returned to the game and was later ruled out. Head coach Mike Vrabel was asked after the game if Williams possibly could have returned to the game in a differet situation.

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“Maybe. I made just a decision that felt like we should probably just start treating that thing and get ahead of it and see where he’s at here tomorrow, the next couple days,” Vrabel said. “Try to weigh — he wanted to try to go. And he was out here standing with me when guys were coming in (after the game). He was excited. I appreciate his leadership, but I just made a decision that I felt like was best for the team for his instance.”

The Patriots relied more heavily on defensive tackles Christian Barmore, Khyiris Tonga, Cory Durden and Eric Gregory after Williams left the game. Barmore recorded his first sack late in the game. Williams tweeted in celebration, posting “Yea Bmo!!!!”