FOXBORO — Patriots starting defensive tackle Milton Williams did not participate in Thursday’s practice.

Williams was listed as limited in Wednesday’s injury report with an ankle ailment. He was downgraded as a non-participant on Thursday, which could be a sign that he won’t play in Sunday’s primetime matchup with the Bills.

Related Articles

Patriots have a ‘irreplaceable’ veteran starter in offense

Patriots seem happy to spread the ball around in passing game

Patriots get bad news at Thursday practice before Buffalo game

Callahan: Why the Patriots can still ‘win’ at Buffalo even if they lose

Drake Maye vs. Josh Allen: How Patriots, Bills QBs compare through 16 games

Williams would likely be replaced by defensive tackles Khyiris Tonga and rookie Joshua Farmer if he can’t play on Sunday night. Rookie Eric Gregory also could suit up for the first time this season.

OLB K’Lavon Chaisson (knee), S Jaylinn Hawkins (hamstring), CB Carlton Davis III (illness) and LB Marte Mapu (neck) were listed as limited. Chaisson and Hawkins both returned to practice.

DT Christian Barmore (not injury related/other), LT Will Campbell (shoulder), RG Mike Onwenu (shoulder), LB Jahlani Tavai (calf) and LG Jared Wilson (ankle/knee) were listed as full participants.

Wilson was upgraded after being limited on Wednesday. Ben Brown started over Wilson at left guard in a Week 4 win.