Will Campbell’s promising season with the New England Patriots hit a setback after the rookie offensive lineman suffered a knee injury that forced him off the field. The former LSU standout had been gaining momentum in his first NFL year, making his sudden exit a major concern for fans and coaches alike.
As updates continue to come in about his condition and recovery, here’s the latest on what happened to Will Campbell, how he’s doing now, and when he may return to play.
What Happened to Will Campbell?
Campbell injured his right knee during the Patriots’ game against the Cincinnati Bengals after a defender appeared to land on his leg while he was blocking. He immediately went down in pain, was evaluated by trainers, and was ultimately carted off the field. He did not return to the game.
Just discussed on @GMFB: #Patriots LT Will Campbell is believed to have suffered an MCL sprain and will have an MRI on his knee, sources said. He’s a candidate for Injured Reserve, with the hope he returns when it counts the most. pic.twitter.com/2E6kg12izj
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 24, 2025
How Is Will Campbell Doing Now? Injury Update
According to team updates, Campbell is believed to have suffered an MCL sprain. While the injury is significant, early reports indicate it is not season-ending. He has already begun treatment and is expected to miss time as his knee heals. The Patriots have not yet placed him on injured reserve, but that remains a possibility depending on how his recovery progresses.
When Is Will Campbell Expected to Return to Play?
Campbell is expected to miss at least a few weeks while his knee recovers. If the Patriots place him on injured reserve with a designation to return, he would be required to sit out a minimum of four games. At this point, he has already been ruled out of the team’s upcoming matchup against the New York Giants. His return timeline will depend on the stability of his knee and how quickly his MCL responds to rehab.
Head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed that Campbell will miss the upcoming game, saying: “I wouldn’t imagine that Will’s going play in the game. … That injury is going to probably be more than a week or two.”
