New England Patriots News

Home

Quizzes

Watch

Newsletter

Nov 2, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots offensive tackle Will Campbell (66) walks out of the player's tunnel before a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Patriots OT Will Campbell’s Injury Revealed

Originally posted on New England Patriots on SI
By Mike D'Abate | Last updated Nov 24, 2025 9:18 AM ET

While a knee injury may keep New England Patriots rookie left tackle Will Campbell from the gridiron for an extended period of time, it appears that the team’s fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft has avoided a serious, long-term injury,

Campbell, who left the Patriots 26-20 Week 12 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in the second half, is believed to have suffered an MCL sprain, per a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The LSU product will have an MRI on his knee to confirm the injury. Rapoport further reported that while Campbell is a candidate for injured reserve, there is hope that he will be able to return for the playoffs, “when it counts the most.”

Less than 24 hours after Campbell suffered his injury, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel weighed in on what was a tough day for the health of his players, via his weekly appearance on WEEI’s The Greg Hill Show.

"We won't know much. Yesterday was not a great day for us with injuries,” Vrabel said. “There will be some players that went out of that game yesterday that won't be available Monday night. Hopefully we get some of those guys back. We have an extra day. I won't be able to tell you much."

"I wouldn't imagine that Will [Campbell] is going play in the game. I don't think that will be something that will happen. That injury is going to probably be more than a week or two."

With his Patriots teammates kneeling around him as trainers attended to him, Campbell was eventually assisted to the blue medical tent. Shortly thereafter, he was taken to the locker room on a cart — as a towel and hood attempted to mask the tears he fought to retain. Though officially listed as questionable, Campbell’s prospects for a return appeared to be bleak heading into the fourth quarter of a game in which the Pats were clinging to a 20-13 lead.

Throughout the Pats’ first 11 games, the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft has had his share of ups and downs. At times, Campbell has looked quite proficient in both pass protection and run blocking. However, he has also seen his share of difficulty when attempting to resist edge pressure. Still, the former LSU Tiger is willing to turn each success or setback into a valuable lesson. The rookie entered the day having allowed only five sacks and four total pressures on Maye.

Will Campbell will be Tough to Replace

Arguably the top offensive lineman in this year’s class, Campbell possesses nearly every trait required of a pro. Still, the biggest question surrounding him is his arm length and wingspan measurements. Though he stands at 6'6" and weighs 319 pounds, he failed to meet the unofficial 33-inch length benchmark during the official measurement period at the NFL Scouting Combine — measuring in at 32 ⅝ inches. Fortunately, Campbell did meet the “requirement” of 33 inches during his pro day workout in March.

On this premise, several pundits had openly speculated as to whether a move inside to guard may be within Campbell’s best interest. However, Campbell’s usage during theis season seems to solidify his bid to become the team’s starting left tackle and blindside protector for quarterback Drake Maye for the long haul. The rookie has held his blocks well throughout the season, proving his detractors wrong.

At his best, Campbell is not only a physical, technically proficient blocker, but also plays with a great deal of athleticism and agility in pass protection. Perhaps most notably, the 21-year-old is highly-regarded by his teammates and coaches for his exemplary leadership skills. Having scouted him extensively over the past few months, the Patriots brain trust seems confident that Campbell’s ability and skillset earned him the spot along what many expect to be a revamped offensive line.

The left side of the New England Patriots offensive line has suffered another devastating setback during their Week 12 win. On New England’s first offensive series, starting left guard Jared Wilson suffered an ankle injury. The rookie lineman walked off slowly under his own power, limping noticeably, while heading to the blue medical tent. Shortly thereafter, Wilson was carted to the locker room. Reserve interior lineman Ben Brown was put in as his replacement and has remained on the interior left for the rest of the half. Wilson was spotted post game in the locker room wearing a walking boot.

This article first appeared on New England Patriots on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: