The New England Patriots have placed their star left tackle, Will Campbell, on injured reserve with a knee injury that he sustained in their recent 26-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. The 21-year-old player was taken off the field during the third quarter and will not be available for the Week 15 matchup against the Buffalo Bills, which is a key game in the AFC East race. Vederian Lowe is set to step in as the starting left tackle in Campbell’s absence. The team’s 10-2 record and nine-game winning streak are attributed in part to their revamped offensive line. The improvements have played a critical role in second-year quarterback Drake Maye’s rise in the MVP rankings, with his 71% completion percentage and 3,130 passing yards leading the league. However, the team faces uncertainty as another key offensive player, left guard Jared Wilson, has also been ruled out for the game against the New York Giants.
With Campbell’s injury, the Patriots must rely on their depth, with Vederian Lowe expected to start in his place. The offensive line’s transformation has been a significant factor in the team’s success this year. In 2024, the line included Chukwuma Okorafor at left tackle, Michael Jordan at left guard, David Andrews at center, Layden Robinson at right guard, and Michael Onwenu at right tackle. Over the offseason, the team added to the offensive line through the draft and free agency, resulting in a lineup that includes Campbell at left tackle, Jared Wilson at left guard, Garrett Bradbury at center, Onwenu at right guard, and Morgan Moses at right tackle.
Campbell, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, was a key part of the team’s recent success. The offensive line’s development has allowed second-year quarterback Drake Maye to thrive, leading the league in completion percentage and passing yards. However, Maye may also be without Wilson, who has been ruled out for the game against the New York Giants. Injuries to key players in such a crucial part of the season could impact the Patriots’ ability to maintain their dominance. The team is now facing challenges in replacing their star players, which could affect their performance in the stretch run of the season.