The New England Patriots and their fans breathed a collective sigh of relief Monday after learning that standout left tackle Will Campbell’s knee injury, suffered in Sunday’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals, is not season-ending as initially feared. The news comes as the Patriots continue their dominant run, holding the best record in the NFL and eyeing a deep playoff push.
Campbell’s Injury: What Happened?
During a hard-fought 26-20 victory over the Bengals, both
Will Campbell and left guard Jared Wilson were carted off the field, raising immediate concerns about the offensive line’s stability heading into the final stretch of the season. Campbell, a rookie sensation and anchor on the Patriots’ line, was seen clutching his knee after a pileup in the third quarter.
Initial fears swirled about a possible season-ending injury, but by Monday morning, optimism had returned to Foxborough.
Diagnosis: MCL Sprain, Not Season-Ending
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Campbell is believed to have suffered an
MCL sprain—a ligament injury in the knee that, while painful, typically does not require surgery and is far less serious than an ACL tear. Campbell is expected to undergo an MRI to confirm the diagnosis, but early indications are that he will miss only a few weeks and could return before the playoffs.
Head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed the positive outlook, stating that the team is “hopeful for a return” and that Campbell’s injury is “not considered to be season-ending”. The Patriots may place Campbell on injured reserve, but with the expectation that he will be activated in time for the postseason.
Why Campbell Matters to the Patriots
Campbell, drafted out of LSU and widely regarded as one of the safest picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, has been a revelation for New England. His ability to protect the quarterback’s blind side and open running lanes has been a key factor in the Patriots’ league-leading record and nine-game winning streak.
Losing Campbell for any length of time is a blow, but the news that he could return for the playoffs is a massive relief for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
What’s Next for New England?
With Campbell sidelined, the Patriots will need to shuffle their offensive line, likely relying on backups and possible free-agent signings to fill the gap. However, the team’s depth and coaching have been strengths all season, and the expectation is that they can weather the storm until Campbell’s return.
The Patriots’ next few games will test their resilience, but with the AFC’s top seed in their sights and Campbell’s prognosis far better than feared, New England remains firmly in the driver’s seat.
Takeaways and Future Implications
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Will Campbell’s injury is an MCL sprain, not season-ending.- He is expected to miss a few weeks but could return for the playoffs.
- The Patriots’ offensive line depth will be tested, but their Super Bowl hopes remain intact.
- Campbell’s quick recovery could be the difference-maker in a tightly contested AFC playoff race.
Stay tuned for further updates as Campbell undergoes additional testing and the Patriots adjust their lineup for the crucial weeks ahead.
Sources
1. New England Patriots DODGE A MAJOR BULLET - YouTube
2. 98.5 The Sports Hub - Boston's Home For Sports - 98.5 The Sports ...
3. NFL news roundup: Patriots' Will Campbell believed to have suffered MCL sprain, could land on IR
4. Latest NFL Football News
5. Will Campbell injury update: Latest news about Patriots OT
6. Official New England Patriots News and Analysis
7. Latest Sports News - ESPN
8. 2025 NFL Mock Draft: New England Patriots take tackle
9. Patriots Mailbag: Who is the safest draft prospect at No. 4 overall?
10. Better Know a Freshman: Will Campbell | And The Valley Shook
