So far this season, the New England Patriots have been one of the most fortunate teams, avoiding the injury bug that has plagued many others across the league. That was until they faced the Bengals in what appeared to be a cursed Week 12 game for both teams, as many players left with potential serious injuries.
The Patriots dealt with the more serious blows, with two rookie starting offensive linemen, Will Campbell and Jared Wilson, exiting the field on carts after suffering leg injuries on Sunday.
But that's not where it ended. Superstar safety Brenden Schooler also left the game with an ankle injury, along with DT Khyiris Tonga, who left the matchup with a chest injury.
It's terrible news for a team without a bye until Week 14, and a Monday Night Football game next on the docket. On top of that, if any of these players are set to miss significant time, that certainly puts a wrench in their playoff plans, which could be seriously impacted by their absences.
Given that they had been lucky on the injury front, it didn't take long for Mike Vrabel to reveal his superstitions when he updated the media on those who left Sunday's game, and it was just another reminder that the head coach is just like Patriots fans in many ways.
Mike Vrabel has a superstitious side, just like many Patriots fans
Although he didn't have any updates on Campbell or Wilson right away, Vrabel made sure to sarcastically thank reporters for their emphasis on the Patriots' good fortune with few serious injuries this season.
If you're superstitious, you might believe they jinxed them with all that talk leading up to the game.
Mike Vrabel on the #Patriots injuries:
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) November 23, 2025
“I don’t have an update on anybody right now, unfortunately. I appreciate you all talking about the injuries this week, so thanks.”
Vrabel was asked multiple times about New England’s positive luck with injuries this week.
(🎥 @Patriots) pic.twitter.com/rxrMwinsBI
It's certainly something fans felt while watching the game unfold on Sunday afternoon, as player after player kept remaining down after a play was over. Later in the day, it happened to the Bengals, too, who lost WR Tee Higgins to a concussion in the fourth quarter.
It was a rough day all around for the Patriots, who barely snuck out of Cincinnati with a win to extend their record to 10-2. And while a win is a win, they have a lot they need to fix before another showing in primetime next week, especially since the Giants put on a show against the Lions in Detroit with Jameis Winston under center.
It won't be an easy one for the Patriots, that's for sure.