Last year, the New England Patriots were bitten hard by the injury bug. Ultimately, with many key players either on season-ending injured reserve or battling short-term injuries, the team was unable to overcome this obstacle.
The Patriots are already preparing for the upcoming season -- but not without the injury bug biting again. During Wednesday's minicamp session, tight end Michael Williams had to be carted off the field with what later turned out to be an ACL-tear.
While other ligaments in his knee did not suffer any damage (via Jeff Howe), the team made the logical move, according to Mike Reiss:
The Patriots officially waived/injured TE Michael Williams, who tore hos left ACL on Wednesday. If he clears waivers, he will revert to IR.
Williams was originally drafted by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the 2013 NFL Draft. In his second season in Detroit, he changed positions from tight end to offensive tackle, but moved back to tight end after the Patriots acquired his services via trade last August.
The 25-year old appeared in 17 of New England's 18 games last year and played roughly 42 percent of the team's offensive snaps. He was mostly used as a blocking tight, and caught only three passes for 26 yards.
Williams was no lock to make the 2016 Patriots' roster, although his chances were not bad. He was competing with Clay Harbor, A.J. Derby and rookies Steven Scheu and Bryce Williams for a maximum of two spots behind Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett. The injury now makes Harbor a favorite to earn one of those spots.
Goid luck with your recovery, Michael!