FOXBORO — For the first time all season, the Patriots don’t know who will protect Drake Maye in their upcoming matchup.
After rookie left tackle Will Campbell left Sunday’s win over the Bengals with a knee injury, Vederian Lowe was called on to fill in. Lowe might not start in place of Campbell in next Monday night’s game against the Giants, however.
“I don’t know if I would have an accurate answer for you right now,” head coach Mike Vrabel said when asked if Lowe will replace Campbell. “Just where we’re at, we’ll probably go through the week of practice. I thought Vederian had a couple good plays. And, again, he hasn’t had to go in there for us, but I think everybody just has to be ready for their opportunity, and I thought he was for the most part. Some things we’ll have to continue to work on and clean up, but right now it’s probably a little too soon to figure out what the lineup’s going to look like.”
Rookie Marcus Bryant replaced Morgan Moses for a series at right tackle after the veteran left Sunday’s game with an illness. Bryant was already back on the bench by the time Campbell left the 26-20 win and Lowe came in at left tackle.
Lowe allowed two hurries in 30 snaps, per PFF. The 26-year-old started 21 games for the Patriots at left and right tackle during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, when the Patriots’ offensive line was among the NFL’s worst. New coaching on Vrabel’s staff, plus additions on the offensive line, could help elevate Lowe’s play while Campbell is out.
Bryant was a left tackle in college at Missouri, but he’s crosstrained at right tackle in the NFL. Lowe’s most comfortable position is at left tackle.