After avoiding the injury bug for a majority of the 2025 season, the New England Patriots were plagued with what appeared to be serious losses in their Week 12 win against the Bengals. Not only did they lose starting lineman Jared Wilson on the first drive of the game, but they later lost rookie left tackle Will Campbell, too, both of whom were carted to the locker room, ending their day.
It looked like a disastrous outing for the Patriots, despite the eventual win, but they were given some good news about their diagnoses on Monday morning.
In what appeared to be the worst-case scenario with Campbell, he was reported to have suffered an MCL sprain that should only sideline him for a few weeks. Head coach Mike Vrabel further clarified that it shouldn't end his season, which is crucial given the Patriots' playoff outlook.
The news got even better when NFL insider Ian Rapoport revealed the outlook regarding Wilson's injury, which couldn't have been better news considering the significant loss the offensive line is already dealing with.
The Patriots narrowly escape disaster with good injury news after a close win over the Bengals
According to the insider, Wilson suffered a high-ankle sprain, and the hope is that it won't keep him out for the final five games. If so, given that the expectation is up to six weeks to heal from such injury, he will be back for the playoffs.
#Patriots LG Jared Wilson suffered a high-ankle sprain, sources say, and he’s considered week-to-week. While most high-ankle sprains are 4-6 weeks, the hope is this is on the shorter side.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 24, 2025
With Will Campbell (knee) missing time, a challenge for NE’s O-line. pic.twitter.com/xNFVLbHtEr
This is quite significant after what looked like doomsday on Sunday.
Wilson needed assistance leaving the field after getting rolled up on the first series and was eventually carted to the locker room. Although he wasn't immediately downgraded to out, it didn't take too long, and the same was inevitably said about Campbell, as well.
All signs pointed to their seasons being over, so hearing that there's a good chance they could both be back on the field before the year is over is incredible. It will be crucial for the Patriots to be a serious playoff contender, and these rookies deserve to have a good run after the impressive first season's they've had so far.