Injuries to monitor after Week 12: Will Campbell update raises concerns for Patriots

Each week of the NFL season, Yardbarker will be monitoring players who have suffered notable injuries. Here are five players we're tracking after Week 12:

New England Patriots offensive tackle Will Campbell 

Campbell — the fourth pick of the 2025 NFL Draft — injured his right knee in the third quarter of the Patriots' 26-20 road win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He was carted off the field as he exited.

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel didn't provide an update after the game, but Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reported he's scheduled to undergo an MRI. Florio indicated the team probably wants to determine whether he tore his ACL.

The Patriots (10-2) losing Campbell for any period of time would be costly, especially after also losing rookie guard Jared Wilson to a right ankle injury in Sunday's game. The LSU product has provided solid pass protection for second-year QB Drake Maye this season. Entering Sunday's game, Pro Football Focus had given him an above-average 75 pass-blocking grade.

"Shoot, I love those guys," Maye said of Wilson and Campbell in his postgame news conference. "They've done such a good job for us this year. Will and Jared, they mean a lot to me. I've gotten to know them in different ways. It hurts. It's disappointing, man. That's this game. That's life. They'll bounce back and help us down the road."

Cincinnati Bengals WR Tee Higgins 

Higgins' head slammed into the turf while he was trying to make a catch in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Patriots. He lay motionless for several minutes before getting off his back and sitting up.

After being carted off the field, he was ruled out because of a concussion. The Clemson product finished with five receptions for 31 yards.

In his postgame news conference, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor confirmed the star WR is now in concussion protocol. He must pass a five-step program to play again, which will be harder on a short week. The Baltimore Ravens host the Bengals (3-8) on Thanksgiving.

Bengals starting QB Joe Burrow — who hasn't played since Week 2 because of turf toe in his left foot — has been eyeing a return in Week 13. It could be much more challenging without one of his favorite targets. In 11 games this season, Higgins has 40 receptions for 575 yards and seven touchdown catches.

New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara

Kamara was ruled out of Sunday's game after injuring his right knee in the first half of a 24-10 Saints' loss to the Atlanta Falcons at home. The RB finished with a season-low 11 rushing yards on three carries. 

Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reported Kamara underwent an MRI, but his status remains unclear. Losing the RB for multiple games would add to the Saints' long list of problems. 

The five-time Pro Bowler has been one of few bright spots for New Orleans (2-9). Entering Sunday, he led the team in rushing yards, with 460. 

Philadelphia Eagles safety Reed Blankenship 

Blankenship injured his thigh while making a tackle in Sunday's road game against the Dallas Cowboys. Per Jimmy Kempski of the Philly Voice, he limped off the field as he departed. Against Dallas, he finished with eight tackles.  

Following the Eagles' 24-21 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, head coach Nick Sirianni provided no updates on the former Middle Tennessee State star. His status will be worth monitoring. 

Blankenship plays a key role for the Eagles secondary. Entering Sunday, the fourth-year DB ranked fifth on the team in tackles (42) and had three passes defended.

Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith

Smith suffered a right ankle injury in the second quarter of the Chiefs' 23-20 overtime win over the Indianapolis Colts and didn't return. Kansas City head coach Andy Reid didn't provide much information about the injury in his postgame news conference. 

"As far as the injuries go, Trey Smith hurt his ankle," the coach told the media. "[Mike] Caliendo came in and did a nice job for him, but we'll see how it goes as days go forward."  

While Reid trusts Caliendo, he would much rather have Smith, a staple of Kansas City's offensive line. Entering Sunday, the one-time Pro Bowler had posted a decent 75 pass-blocking grade, per PFF.