Introduction
The 2025 season for the New England Patriots has taken a concerning turn with the injury to rookie left tackle Will Campbell. After a near-perfect usage rate and a reputation for poise and reliability, his sudden knee injury in Week 12 versus the Cincinnati Bengals has sparked worry around the league, among fans on Twitter, and within the Patriots’ locker room. We’ll break down what happened, the latest medical updates, possible ACL implications, how social media reacted, and what this means for the Patriots’ playoff push.
What Happened to Will Campbell?
During the Patriots’ Week 12 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, Will Campbell went down in the third quarter with a knee injury. He collapsed after a TreVeyon Henderson run, and although he initially walked off under his own power, he was later carted to the locker room.
He had been one of the most durable offensive linemen this season, playing roughly 98.3% of the offensive snaps prior to injury. The concern is elevated given his importance to the offensive line and the timing of the injury as the Patriots push toward the playoffs.
MRI & ACL Concern
Per reports, Campbell is set to undergo an MRI to determine the exact severity of the injury. The key worry is whether there is damage to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk states: “The concern in any situation like this is that the player has suffered a possible ACL tear.”
Additionally, some sources suggest the injury might involve the medial collateral ligament (MCL) rather than a full ACL tear, though nothing has been confirmed.
What It Could Mean
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If ACL torn: A full ACL tear often ends a player’s season and can take 9–12+ months of recovery. This would severely impact Campbell’s rookie year and possibly affect his progression into 2026.
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If MCL/meniscus sprain or partial tear: The timeline might be 4–8 weeks or slightly longer depending on the severity, rehab response and whether surgery is required. Some Patriots fans on Reddit are cautiously optimistic:
“No, but I do think an ACL diagnosed on field would have leaked by now. So there’s reason for optimism, in my opinion.”
Given his position (offensive tackle) and the physical demands, any ligament damage is serious — but offensive linemen sometimes return sooner than skill-position players because of the different movement requirements.
Twitter & Fan Reaction
As news broke out on Twitter (X), the fanbase expressed concern, sadness, and a hope for the best: trainers and teammates gathering around Campbell on the sideline, his being carted off with a towel over his face, all signalled the severity.
Some sample reactions:
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“Get him an MRI asap” — reflecting immediate worry about ACL.
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“Let’s hope for a sprain, not a tear” — typical fan optimism.
The Patriots’ playoff hopes magnify the weight of the injury; losing a starting left tackle can ripple through offensive line performance, quarterback protection, and running game effectiveness.
Why This Is a Big Deal for the Patriots
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Protecting Drake Maye’s Blind Side: Campbell has been a foundational piece for the rookie quarterback, playing nearly every snap. His absence will force backups into high-pressure roles.
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Offensive Line Stability: One of New England’s strengths this season, the line’s consistency is now in jeopardy. Backup adjustments could lead to sack spikes, increased pressures, and run-game disruption.
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Playoff Timing: Injuries at this juncture threaten momentum. Even a 4–8 week absence might limit Campbell’s availability for the late season or playoffs.
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Rookie Development Interrupted: For a high draft pick (4th overall), a major injury can delay skill refinement, adaptation to NFL speed, and overall trajectory.
What to Watch For Going Forward
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Official team updates on Campbell’s MRI results.
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Practice reports: whether he is limited, non-participating, or undergoing rehab.
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Snap counts of his backup and how the Patriots’ line performs without him.
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Adjustments by the coaching staff (e.g., scheme tweaks to protect against more pass rushers).
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Fan/analyst commentary on the longer-term impact (2026 and beyond) of the injury.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Nov 23, 2025 | Campbell injured during Week 12 vs Bengals, carted off field. |
| Nov 23, 2025 | Reports surface that MRI is forthcoming to check for ACL damage. |
| Nov 24, 2025 | Media speculation around MCL sprain potential rather than full ACL. |
The Injury in Context: Offensive Line Injuries
It’s worth noting that linemen and skill-position players suffer knee ligament injuries differently. For instance, high-impact cuts and rapid directional changes make ACL tears more common among receivers and running backs. Offensive linemen incur more contact and leverage injuries. But still: losses of starting tackles can be as disruptive as losses of star skill players. The Patriots are no exception.
Optimism vs Concern: Balancing Viewpoints
Optimistic scenario: The injury is an MCL sprain or meniscus involvement, rehab is successful, Campbell returns in 4–6 weeks, slotting back into the starting lineup before playoffs.
Concerned scenario: MRI reveals a significant ACL tear, reconstruction surgery is required, he’s done for the season, possibly affecting next year’s conditioning and development.
Impact on the Team & Season Outlook
A key takeaway: while the Patriots managed a win vs the Bengals, the injury adds a cloud over the victory. Protecting the quarterback becomes even more essential. If Campbell is out for an extended period:
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Patrick Mahomes style vulnerabilities could arise if other linemen are forced into roles they’re less prepared for.
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Running game could lose key gap integrity and push.
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Opponents may attack the left side more often, trying to exploit inexperience.
For the Patriots’ playoff ambitions, depth and continuity matter; this injury tests both.
Final Thoughts
While definitive answers await the MRI results, the early signs are red flags. That the concern is publicly voiced (“possible ACL tear”) underscores the severity. Yet there is room for cautious hope — not all knee injuries are season-ending. For fans, the priority will be watching updates, controlling expectations, and supporting Campbell’s recovery. For the Patriots, this could be a defining moment of resilience.
FAQs
Q1: Did Will Campbell tear his ACL?
A: Not confirmed. The MRI has been scheduled and reports say there is “concern” about a possible ACL tear.
Q2: What part of his knee is injured?
A: It’s a knee injury — possibly right knee — with early speculation about the MCL, meniscus, or ACL.
Q3: How long could he be out?
A: If it’s a minor sprain: 4-8 weeks; if ACL: likely the rest of the season or longer.
Q4: Who replaces him at left tackle for the Patriots?
A: Veteran Vederian Lowe stepped in.
Q5: Does this hurt the Patriots’ playoff chances?
A: Potentially yes — losing a starting tackle impacts protection, run game, and line cohesion, all of which matter down the stretch.
Q6: Will Campbell’s rookie year be derailed?
A: It depends on the injury severity and recovery. A full ACL tear could delay his development; a lesser injury may allow him to bounce back.
