The New England Patriots may have gotten back on track in what was an absolute demolition of a red-hot Las Vegas Raiders team, but the excitement was dampened by left tackle Will Campbell suffering a knee injury that may keep the former LSU star out for a handful of games.
Ian Rapoport claimed that Campbell is likely to miss some time with what is being deemed a knee sprain. Campbell will have an MRI on Monday to confirm the news, but it seems like his status for the immediate future is in jeopardy.
The Patriots will face off against the rival New York Jets at home in Week 6. They will follow this game, which almost assuredly will not include Campbell, by taking on the Chicago Bears during a Thursday Night shootout and staying on the road for a matchup against an AFC East duel against the Miami Dolphins.
New England Patriots OT Will Campbell suffers knee injury, expected to miss time
Campbell came under extreme national fire during the end of his rookie season after struggling mightily in New England's Super Bowl run. He has managed to get back on track during his second season in the pros, especially when it comes to keeping Drake Maye clean in the pocket.
Campbell's 73.2 Pro Football Focus grade ranks 16th among all tackles in the NFL, with his pass blocking grade alone being good enough to push him to 12th in the league. Campbell, picked No. 4 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, has only allowed two quarterback hits and one sack on the year.
Campbell's injury likely means that rookie first-round pick Caleb Lomu will need to step up in his place. If his showing against Las Vegas is any indication of what is to come while Campbell is on the mend, Patriots fans shouldn't be worried at all about how the offense will hold up.
New England Patriots rookie Caleb Lomu will replace an injured Will Campbell
In Lomu's first extended action in the pros at left tackle, he allowed just one pressure and no quarterback hits on 29 pass-blocking snaps. With this game coming against Maxx Crosby and a Raiders defensive line that had been on fire until that point, Lomu gave Patriots fans the confidence that he could step up and prove he could be a part of the team's future.
The upcoming MRI will be crucial for Patriots fans, as it will determine the severity of the injury and how much time Campbell will miss. Milder injuries could be fully healed in just a few weeks, while the most severe sprains could require Campbell to miss a good chunk of the 2026 season.
The Patriots are fresh off a Super Bowl appearance, but they are still a young team in need of some assurances that this core is going to gel together. It's quite unfortunate to see Campbell once again come down with an injury right as this offense was starting to get back on track.
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