FOXBOROUGH - The Patriots have utilized several kick returners since Antonio Gibson was lost for the season with a torn ACL after Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills.

Rookie receiver Kyle Williams , who has a 72-yard touchdown catch on the books, is the latest to get a crack at it.

He averaged 28.7 yards per kick, with 86 yards on three returns against Cincinnati. He nearly broke one against the Bengals, setting Drake Maye & Co. up with good field position with a 36-yard return in the second half.

Special teams coach Jeremy Springer has been pleased with how quickly Williams - who didn’t return kicks in college - adapted to the role.

“I love the way he played,” Springer said Friday of Williams’ initial return efforts against the Bengals. “He’s a speed guy, and on top of that, in this n

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