The New England Patriots have placed star left tackle Will Campbell on injured reserve with a knee injury sustained during their recent win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The 21-year-old, selected fourth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, will miss the Week 18 game against the Miami Dolphins, with Vederian Lowe expected to start in his place. The injury comes at a critical time for the team, which is currently 10-2 and heading into the stretch run of the season.
Campbell’s placement on IR marks a significant setback for the Patriots, who have relied heavily on their revamped offensive line for their recent success. The team’s offensive line, which has been instrumental in quarterback Drake Maye’s progress, will face challenges without its key player as they prepare to face multiple teams in the coming weeks. Maye, 23, has led the league in completion percentage (71%) and yards (3,130), while throwing 21 touchdowns and six interceptions in 12 games. A huge reason for his spike in production is improved protection.
However, the Patriots may also be without another key player, as left guard Jared Wilson left the team’s win over the Bengals with an injury. It is unclear if Wilson will be able to play against the New York Giants (2-10) on Monday. The team’s offensive line, which has been a cornerstone of their success this season, is now facing potential lineup changes that could impact their performance in the coming weeks. As they head into the stretch run, the Patriots will need to find ways to adapt to the challenges posed by these injuries.