FOXBORO — Patriots defensive tackle Milton Williams was non-committal this week when asked if he’ll make his return off injured reserve Sunday against the Dolphins.

Williams, who suffered an ankle injury in 11 against the Jets, returned to practice last week but wasn’t activated in time to play Week 17 against the Jets. He was limited in practice on Wednesday as he continues to test his ankle injury.

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“We’ll see,” Williams said. “I’m feeling better than last week, I’ll say that, but we’ll see.”

Williams also said he needed to get back in football shape and build his “lung capacity” back up after sitting out the past five weeks.

He was asked if it was the ankle injury or conditioning that was keeping him off the field.

“I didn’t have as much confidence as I do this week,” Williams said. “Last week was still a little shaky on just trusting (the ankle). Feeling better this week. I’ll see if we’re able to go on Sunday.”

Williams did learn that he loved football more than he originally thought during his time off the field.

The fifth-year veteran was one of the Patriots’ best defenders through the first 11 weeks of the season after signing a four-year, $104 million contract in free agency this offseason.

The Patriots’ run defense took a nose dive in Williams’ absence, and their pass rush has not been as consistent, as well.

“It’s been hard watching,” Williams said. “I’ve watched all my games from this season back like three times. Just bored. Got nothing to do. Like, ‘Man, I got to get back to this player that I was when we started the season.’ That’s been my mindset getting back, getting back healthy and just trying to come back and help this team win games.”

Patriots left tackle Will Campbell (knee) and cornerback Alex Austin (wrist), who are also still on injured reserve, returned to practice this week. So, the Patriots could be getting a boost before the playoffs begin next week.