FOXBOROUGH — A position of strength for the Patriots got a little weaker Thursday when a team source confirmed that tight end Michael Williams suffered a torn left ACL Wednesday and likely will be placed on injured reserve.
He was injured on an innocent-looking play, making a routine cut on an out route, when his knee gave out. He was attended to by medical staff and walked a lap around the practice field before leaving in a golf cart. He was sitting in the cart, so the injury didn’t appear serious at the start.
Williams, who was acquired from the Lions last season, looked svelte and sharp through OTAs and the first two days of mandatory minicamp. The 6-foot-6-inch Williams — listed at 304 pounds but looking considerably lighter — had been getting a good share of reps this week.
A tight end at Alabama, he was converted to offensive tackle in Detroit before the Patriots switched him back to his natural spot last season. He proved to be a solid blocker and did yeoman work in three- and four-tight-end sets.
The Patriots still have excellent depth at the position with Rob Gronkowski (who missed his third straight on-field session with what’s been reported as a minor ailment), Martellus Bennett (who has looked crisp all week), Clay Harbor (who returned Thursday after missing Wednesday’s practice), A.J. Derby (who has made a number of nice catches), and rookies Steven Scheu and Bryce Williams.
Derby was a sixth-round pick in 2015 but spent last season on injured reserve, landing there just days into camp with an undisclosed injury. The 6-5, 255-pounder is eager to put last year behind him.
“Everything is going good, just taking it day by day,’’ Derby said after Thursday’s practice. “Just working hard and doing the best I can.’’
Derby said he appreciates the competition and the opportunity to lean on the older tight ends on the roster.
“We’ve got a veteran room and I’m just trying to learn everything I can from them,’’ said Derby, who played just one season at the position at Arkansas. He previously had been a quarterback.
Derby was spotted getting some pointers from Bennett after practice had wrapped up.
“When the time comes you just have to take advantage of the opportunities,’’ Derby said.
