That means Milton could be preparing to make his first appearance in an NFL regular season game. On the Patriots’ list of inactives, there were a total of six players ruled out for the game, including cornerback Christian Gonzalez and tight end Hunter Henry.

The Patriots will play Week 18 without their leading pass catcher. Tight end Hunter Henry (foot) is among the Patriots’ inactives. Austin Hooper and rookies Jaheim Bell and Jack Westover will be the team’s top tight ends.

The New England Patriots fired coach Jerod Mayo on Sunday after one season, beginning another reboot for the franchise just a year after it parted with longtime coach Bill Belichick. Owner Robert Kraft announced the firing in a statement shortly after New England closed its 4-13 season with a 23-16 win over the Buffalo Bills.

The New England Patriots didn't even wait until "Black Monday" to break out the pink slips, as Robert Kraft decided to announce head coach Jerod Mayo'sfiring shortly after the Patriots won their regular-season finale against the Buffalo Bills,

Jerod Mayo lasted only one season as the chosen successor to coaching legend Bill Belichick with the New England Patriots. The Patriots fired Mayo on Sunday after they went 4-13 in his rookie season as an NFL head coach.