|
CINCINNATI -- New England Patriots starting left tackle Will Campbell, the No. 4 pick in the 2025 NFL draft, was carted off the field with a right knee injury in the third quarter of Sunday's 26-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Campbell was seen walking out of Paycor Stadium with a black brace covering his leg and knee. The injury occurred on a 4-yard run to the left side, with Campbell pulling to that side and ultimately having his leg landed on at the end of the play. Patriots players kneeled around Campbell, who had a towel draped over his head as he was carted off. He was officially ruled out in the fourth quarter. Coach Mike Vrabel said Monday morning that he didn't think Campbell would be available next Monday night against the Giants. "Yesterday was not a great day for us with injuries," Vrabel, appearing on "The Greg Hill Show" on sports radio WEEI, said. "There will be some players that went out of that game yesterday that won't be available (against the Giants next) Monday night. Hopefully we get some of those guys back. We have an extra day. I won't be able to tell you much. "I wouldn't imagine that Will [Campbell] is going play in the game. I don't think that will be something that will happen. That injury is going to probably be more than a week or two." In addition to Campbell, starting left guard Jared Wilson was carted off with an ankle injury in the first quarter -- a second blow to a Patriots team that had mostly been fortunate health-wise up to this point in the season. Wilson was seen departing the stadium with a boot on his right foot and the aid of a crutch. Players were hoping for the best on both injuries but acknowledged the situation looked ominous. Asked what advice he might give to Campbell after recovering from a knee injury sustained last October, receiver Stefon Diggs said: "I hope he's back. I hope it's not as bad as we think." Quarterback Drake Maye's emotion was evident when asked about Campbell and Wilson. "Shoot, I love those guys," Maye said. "They're going to be all right; I think that's the big thing about those guys -- they're going to work hard and be back. They've done such a good job for us this year. Will and Jared, they mean a lot to me. I've gotten to know them in different ways. It hurts. It's disappointing, man. That's this game. That's life. They'll bounce back and help us down the road." Veteran starting center Garrett Bradbury added, "It's definitely the worst part of the game. There's a lot of experience in the O-line room, and there are things we can do, put our arms around them and get them right -- whether it's certain rehab things. Hopefully they lean on us. I know the [athletic] trainers are going to do a great job and get them back out there as soon as they can." New England started the same offensive linemen in 10 of its first 11 games, with Maye recently referring to the unit as the "heartbeat of the team." Four-year veterans Vederian Lowe (tackle) and Ben Brown (guard) were the in-game replacements for Campbell and Wilson. Campbell and Wilson were making history of sorts this season in New England. According to Elias and ESPN Research, since 2000, they were only the second rookie tandem to open a season as starters at left tackle and left guard (joining the 2016 Baltimore Ravens with Ronnie Stanley and Alex Lewis). Those weren't the only injuries for the Patriots on Sunday. All-Pro special teamer Brenden Schooler injured his ankle in the first half and was ruled out of the game. Also, defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga -- who was bumped up to the starting lineup this week after Milton Williams landed on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain -- injured his chest in the game. Vrabel also didn't have an update on those players after the game.
|
