(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
The New England Patriots walked out of Cincinnati with a 26–20 victory, but the mood was anything but celebratory after two rookie starters on the left side of the offensive line — left tackle Will Campbell and left guard Jared Wilson — suffered significant injuries. What had been one of the NFL’s most stable offensive fronts suddenly unraveled in a single afternoon, leaving the Patriots facing uncertainty at two critical positions.
Campbell’s Knee Injury Halts Promising Rookie Season
Will Campbell, the No. 4 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, exited in the third quarter when his right leg was rolled up on during a 4-yard run. Teammates immediately surrounded him as medical staff tended to his knee. The rookie tackle covered his head with a towel as he was carted off — a moment that underscored the severity of the situation.
Campbell later left Paycor Stadium wearing a black brace, and head coach Mike Vrabel quickly ruled out any short-term return. Speaking on The Greg Hill Show, Vrabel said he “wouldn’t imagine” Campbell playing next Monday night and acknowledged the injury is likely “more than a week or two.”
The setback comes just as Campbell had begun solidifying himself as Drake Maye’s blindside protector. Despite questions about his arm length entering the draft, the LSU product showed toughness, growth, and strong leadership in his first eleven starts.
Wilson Suffers Early Ankle Injury
Campbell’s injury compounded what had already been a tough day for the Patriots’ offense. In the first quarter, fellow rookie Jared Wilson injured his right ankle on a third-and-1 run. Wilson limped to the sideline before being carted to the locker room, later leaving the stadium in a walking boot and using a crutch.
Wilson had been one of the Patriots’ most consistent players, starting 11 of the team’s first 12 games. Alongside Campbell, he formed only the second rookie left tackle–left guard duo to start an NFL season since 2000.
Ben Brown stepped in at guard, while Vederian Lowe filled in at tackle as New England shifted on the fly with two-thirds of its left side out.
Emotional Reactions Highlight the Impact
Quarterback Drake Maye appeared shaken when discussing the injuries postgame. “Shoot, I love those guys,” he said. “They mean a lot to me. It hurts. That’s this game. That’s life. They’ll bounce back.”
Veteran center Garrett Bradbury echoed the sentiment, calling it “the worst part of the game” while pledging support through recovery and rehab.
Even Stefon Diggs — who battled through his own knee injury last year — offered perspective: “I hope he’s back. I hope it’s not as bad as we think.”
Patriots Evaluate Next Steps Amid Mounting Injuries
New England had started the same offensive line in 10 of 11 games before Sunday. That stability vanished against Cincinnati, with injuries extending beyond the offensive front. Special teams ace Brenden Schooler and defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga also exited with injuries, adding to the concern.
Vrabel noted the inevitability of NFL injuries but stressed the focus now shifts to recovery and readiness. With an extra day before facing the Giants, the Patriots will assess whether their young linemen can return this season — or whether major adjustments are needed moving forward.
