The New England Patriots walked out of Cincinnati with a Week 12 victory that kept their postseason ambitions alive, but the win came at a steep price. What should have been a morale-boosting road triumph quickly turned into the team’s most costly outing of the year as multiple starters went down with injuries. None of those losses hit harder than the blow dealt to their offensive line when standout rookie left tackle Will Campbell was carted off the field.
Campbell, who has been one of the Patriots’ most reliable linemen this season, saw his afternoon unravel early in the third quarter. As a play collapsed around him, he was rolled up on from behind, immediately grabbing at his leg before medical staff rushed in. Moments later, the cart arrived — an image that usually signals the worst for any player, let alone a rookie anchoring the blind side during a playoff push.
Initial fears were grim. The possibility of a season-ending knee injury lingered through the remainder of the game and into the night. However, the tone shifted considerably once further evaluations were completed. Reports revealed that Campbell suffered an MCL sprain rather than a more catastrophic ligament tear. It was, in many ways, the best-case scenario for a team bracing for devastating news. Campbell is still expected to miss multiple weeks, but he remains firmly in play to return before the end of the regular season — or, at minimum, during the playoffs.
Still, the Patriots now face a complicated challenge moving forward. According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the drop-off behind Campbell on the depth chart is a genuine concern for the coaching staff. “The dropoff after Campbell is significant and that now becomes a top challenge for coordinator Josh McDaniels, who will have to devote resources to help four-year veteran Vederian Lowe (or rookie Marcus Bryant) in upcoming game-plans until Campbell potentially returns,” Reiss explained in a post on X.
That assessment reflects what unfolded on Sunday. Vederian Lowe, who stepped in after Campbell’s exit, performed admirably under the circumstances. But context matters — Cincinnati’s defensive line was extremely shorthanded, lacking several of its premier pass rushers. Against more physical and explosive fronts, Lowe’s protection on the edge could be tested in far more uncomfortable ways. With defenses ready to exploit weaknesses on tape, the Patriots have little choice but to adjust their schemes, rely on quicker-release concepts, and possibly rotate additional help to the left side.
What complicates the situation further is the timing. New England is approaching its most critical portion of the schedule, and any instability along the offensive line threatens to disrupt offensive rhythm at a time when consistency matters most. With a potential playoff run on the horizon and the margin for error rapidly shrinking, the Patriots can scarcely afford another blow to their line — especially one involving a foundational piece like Campbell.
A stint on injured reserve appears increasingly likely, which would sideline Campbell for at least four games. Even so, the team remains hopeful that the rookie can return in time to impact the final stretch of the season. Until then, New England will be forced to navigate unfamiliar territory, relying on depth, scheme adjustments, and resilience to hold their postseason hopes together.
The win over Cincinnati may have added another tally in the standings, but the true battle now lies ahead — a test of whether the Patriots can survive without one of their most
