The New England Patriots' impressive 10-2 season has hit a significant roadblock with starting left tackle Will Campbell suffering a worrying knee injury during their victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Game-Day Incident: How Campbell Got Hurt
During the third quarter of Sunday's game at Foxborough on November 23, 2025, Campbell's left knee twisted awkwardly on a routine running play. The offensive lineman immediately went down and required medical attention on the field.
The seriousness of the situation became evident when Campbell was carted off with a towel covering his head, a sight that often indicates significant pain and concern about the injury's severity. Despite the concerning moment, the Patriots managed to secure a 26-20 win against the Bengals.
Coach Vrabel's Concerning Update
On Monday morning, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel appeared on The Greg Hill Show and delivered sobering news about Campbell's condition. Vrabel confirmed that Campbell will not play in the upcoming Monday night game against the New York Giants and expressed concern about the recovery timeline.
The coach described it as "not a great day" for injuries and indicated that Campbell might need "more than a week or two" to heal properly. Vrabel's comments strongly suggest that the Patriots will be without their starting left tackle for multiple games during this crucial part of the season.
Medical tests are still pending to determine the exact nature and extent of the injury, but Vrabel warned that "it doesn't look like something he can come back from quickly." The team hasn't placed Campbell on injured reserve yet, but that move remains a possibility if doctors determine he'll miss at least four games.
Broader Impact on Patriots' Offensive Line
Campbell wasn't the only offensive lineman to leave Sunday's game with an injury. Starting left guard Jared Wilson also exited after hurting his ankle and was later seen walking in a protective boot. His status for the Giants game remains uncertain as well.
This double blow to the left side of the offensive line presents a significant challenge for the Patriots, who have relied on steady blocking and a powerful running game throughout their successful season. Campbell has started every game at left tackle this year, making his absence particularly concerning for the AFC-leading team.
If both Campbell and Wilson are unavailable, the Patriots will likely turn to Vederian Lowe at left tackle and Ben Brown at left guard. Both players filled in during the Bengals game, but changing two positions on the same side of the line could disrupt protection schemes and offensive timing.
The Patriots may need to adjust their offensive strategy by incorporating quicker passes, adding extra blocking support, or shifting more plays to the right side of the formation. Despite the concerning outlook, there is some positive news: Vrabel expressed hope that Campbell's injury is not season-ending, and the tackle is currently considered week-to-week as the team prepares for their Monday night matchup.
