Patriots’ best playoff path demanded a harsh Week 17 decision

New England Patriots v Miami Dolphins | Rich Storry/GettyImagesThe 12-3 New England Patriots play the 3-12 New York Jets away in Week 17. Like every other NFL team, the Patriots are banged up this time of the year. The most fortunate teams are those whose quarterbacks have avoided serious injuries. But other key players also matter. One whose status for the Jets' game was in question is the Patriots' superb defensive tackle, Milton Williams.

Williams was eligible to return to the team from IR this week against the Jets. The question being rightly asked was: Should Mike Vrabel bring him back for this game, wait another week, or even wait until the playoffs to unleash Williams on the Patriots'…