Here’s a sigh of relief for Patriots fans: Will Campbell’s knee injury isn’t as bad as initially feared. But here’s where it gets controversial—while the team dodged a season-ending ACL tear, the decision to place him on injured reserve or not could shape their playoff push. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Campbell is dealing with a sprained MCL, which means he could return before the 2025 season wraps up. This is a far cry from the grim predictions swirling around New England after he was carted off the field during Sunday’s 26-20 win over the Bengals. Teammates like Drake Maye and Stefon Diggs seemed to think the worst, but this diagnosis offers a glimmer of hope for the promising rookie left tackle.
Campbell’s injury occurred in the third quarter at Paycor Stadium, and the emotional scene left many fearing the worst. Yet, the fact that he might return for the regular season’s end or even the playoffs is a silver lining for both him and the Patriots. And this is the part most people miss—Campbell’s performance before the injury was stellar. Pro Football Focus charted him with zero pressures allowed in 27 pass-blocking snaps, showcasing his potential as a cornerstone of the offensive line. His backup, Vederian Lowe, struggled initially, allowing two pressures on his first drive, but seemed to find his footing later. The question now is whether Lowe, under the guidance of Doug Marrone and Josh McDaniels, can step up in Campbell’s absence.
In the meantime, the Patriots are likely to bolster their offensive line depth. With the season at this stage, they can scout practice squads and free agency for reinforcements. One name to watch is Sebastian Gutierrez, a 27-year-old practice squad member with limited NFL experience, who could see roster elevations in upcoming games. But here’s the debate—should the Patriots rush Campbell back if he’s not fully healed, or play it safe and rely on their depth? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
For more on the Patriots’ injury woes, check out how they’re handling other key injuries from the Bengals game here. And a quick shoutout to Matt, a North Andover native and Sports Hub veteran since 2010, whose love for Boston sports runs deep. Growing up in a hockey family—his dad, Steve Dolloff, is a BU All-American and Melrose High School Hall of Famer—Matt brings a unique perspective to his coverage of the Patriots, Celtics, and Bruins. Catch him on the Sports Hub Underground podcast or on-air for more insights.
