The New England Patriots emerged from their road victory in Cincinnati with more than just a crucial win. For a brief moment, it appeared they might also be facing a significant setback on the offensive line after a rookie starter went down with what initially looked like a major knee injury. The team’s postseason hopes, already tied to depth and stability, seemed vulnerable as medical staff evaluated the situation on the field.
Concerns grew rapidly in the aftermath, especially given the Patriots’ reliance on their young core in the trenches. With multiple rookies contributing heavily this season, any extended absence threatened to reshape the blocking structure that has supported the team’s improving offensive rhythm. Early observations were grim, and speculation quickly circulated about the potential long-term impact on protection schemes and lineup continuity.
Clarity arrived the following day when further testing shed light on the condition of tackle Will Campbell. Instead of a season-ending diagnosis, medical evaluations indicated an injury far less severe than initially feared. The rookie, who has become an important presence on the Patriots’ left side, now projects to miss only a short stretch of time. The update brought renewed optimism to a locker room that had braced for the worst.
Head coach Mike Vrabel delivered the official assessment, noting that the team expects Campbell to make a timely return. “He won’t be out there this week,” Vrabel said, emphasizing caution but also expressing relief. “It’s going to be a couple weeks… nothing that’s going to, hopefully, put him out for the entire season.” The remarks confirmed earlier reporting that characterized the setback as manageable rather than catastrophic.
NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport later reported that Campbell sustained an MCL sprain and could be considered a candidate for injured reserve, though the projected timeline keeps open the possibility of a playoff return. The Patriots will weigh whether a short-term IR stint best supports roster flexibility. Regardless of that decision, the overall prognosis stands as a best-case scenario for a player whose development has been one of the season’s bright spots.
Attention also shifted to rookie guard Jared Wilson, whose status remains less certain. Vrabel acknowledged that the team needs more time before determining the extent of Wilson’s availability down the stretch. The guard suffered what has been identified as a high-ankle sprain, an injury that often requires several weeks of recovery. However, internal hope persists that his timeframe could be shorter than the standard four-to-six-week window.
In the interim, the Patriots plan to adjust their offensive line configuration. Vederian Lowe is expected to take over at left tackle, while Ben Brown steps in at left guard. Seventh-round rookie Marcus Bryant will serve as the primary backup tackle. Though the reshuffled group lacks experience compared to the projected starters, the organization believes the unit can hold steady while the injured rookies work their way back.
New England now turns its attention to a primetime matchup against the New York Giants on Monday night. With two key young linemen working through injuries, the Patriots face a crucial stretch that will test their depth and resilience. Yet the encouraging updates—particularly regarding Campbell—have reinforced a sense of stability at a moment when the season could have taken a far more troubling turn.
