New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel already assured fans that the team has a worthy backup plan to replace injured starting defensive tackle Milton Williams.

Williams, who the Patriots signed to a four-year, $104 million contract this offseason, was placed on injured reserve after suffering an ankle injury in New England’s 27-14 win over the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football and will miss at least the next four games.

Patriots faithful have every right to be concerned about an injury to one of their star defenders, but Vrabel, who has excelled in his first season as head coach with the franchise, is confident in back up defensive lineman Cory Durden

Before Williams got injured, Vrabel sang the praises of the 26-year-old Durden, who signed with the Patriots this offseason.

“I think he’s excited about playing,” Vrabel said. “I think he brings a good size, good physicality, good energy. It seems like he’s always excited after every play or the plays that he’s involved with.

“So, I think he’s one of those players that’s, like a lot of guys, taking advantage of the opportunity that he’s gotten and was somewhere else, they made a decision, we were able to bring him in, quickly elevate him and bring him on, and he’s done a good job.”

Durden has become more involved in New England’s defense in recent weeks, and will now see an increased workload in the absence of Williams.

He has played at least seven defensive snaps in every game this season, including a season-high 34 on Thursday Night Football in Week 11.

On the year, Durden has recorded 12 tackles, two of which were for a loss.

Durden joined the Patriots after stints with the Los Angeles Rams and New York Giants, although the former undrafted free agent only appeared in eight total games across his first two seasons.

His role within Vrabel’s defense has no doubt been the biggest of his NFL career, and it looks set to increase even more with Williams out a minimum of four weeks.

It will be difficult to replicate the production of Williams, who has been one of the leaders in the Patriots’ superb run defense that has yet to allow an opposing running back to record more than 60 rushing yards in a game this season.

In his first season in New England, who he joined as a free agent after winning the Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles last year, Williams has 3.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss.

The Patriots lead the AFC East at 9-2 and look to be a shoe-in for their first playoff appearance since 2021.