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- calendar_today October 14, 2026
Will Campbell's Knee Injury Concern on Sunday
Patriots fans held their breath last Sunday after starting left tackle Will Campbell appeared to suffer a significant knee injury during New England’s win over the Raiders. The incident occurred in the second quarter when running back Rhamondre Stevenson landed on the back of Campbell's right knee. Campbell, the Patriots’ 2025 first-round pick, walked off the field gingerly and did not return to the game.
Previous History and Early Diagnosis
The situation was especially concerning because Campbell had previously suffered a torn MCL in the same knee last season, which sidelined him for a substantial portion of games and affected his play in the postseason. Initial reports, including one from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, suggested a knee sprain would keep Campbell out for a while. This possibility worried Patriots supporters about a repeat of last season's injury woes for their young offensive lineman.
Return to Practice and Recovery Outlook
However, news improved on Wednesday when Will Campbell was seen back on the practice field. Although he was a limited participant, his appearance in full uniform with cleats, ready for the full-squad session in Foxborough, signaled progress in his recovery. While Campbell was not seen with the main squad during the media-access portion of practice, his participation means he is involved in some team football activities. Campbell himself shared that while it was frustrating to suffer another setback, this injury felt less severe than last year’s, saying, “I could definitely tell a difference from this year to last year. It’s solid. We’ll be all right.”
Team Reactions and Next Steps
Quarterback Drake Maye commented on Campbell’s resilience, noting the toughness and dedication required to play on the offensive line. "You respect guys, especially on the offensive line, of how much they go through, wear and tear… Props to him," Maye said. Campbell echoed a cautious, day-by-day approach, emphasizing he would not set expectations and would trust his body during the recovery process.
Upcoming Games and Tackle Position Options
With the Patriots facing a compressed schedule, including a Thursday Night Football matchup in Chicago on October 22, Campbell’s availability for the coming Sunday’s game against the Jets remains uncertain. In the event that he cannot play, rookie Caleb Lomu is ready to step in as the team’s starting left tackle, while Marcus Bryant, another offensive tackle, was designated to return from injured reserve on Wednesday and is making progress toward being game-ready.
Full Patriots Injury Report
- Did Not Participate: CB Karon Prunty (Hamstring), CB Carlton Davis (Neck)
- Limited Participation: S Kevin Byard III (Chest), WR A.J. Brown (Ankle), T Marcus Bryant (Ankle), T Will Campbell (Knee), CB Channing Canada (Hamstring), LB Christian Elliss (Chest), CB Christian Gonzalez (Shoulder), RB TreVeyon Henderson (Ankle), LB Dre’Mont Jones (Shoulder), CB Marcus Jones (Ankle), T Morgan Moses (Foot), CB Charles Woods (Shoulder), S Craig Woodson (Shoulder)
- Full Participation: QB Drake Maye (Right Shoulder)
Conclusion
Will Campbell’s quicker-than-expected return to practice offers hope for the Patriots’ offensive line as they navigate through injuries and a tight schedule. His day-to-day status and the team’s next moves will be closely watched as they prepare for their upcoming games.
Source: boston.com.
