Former LSU great Will Campbell suffered a knee injury on Sunday afternoon against the Bengals. Campbell went down with the injury late in the 3rd quarter and did not return. He was helped to the sideline by medical personnel before being carted to the training room. The rookie sensation was visibly emotional and had a towel draped over his head as he headed for the training room.
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Campbell's emotion gave a cause for concern that the injury was of a serious nature. He underwent an MRI on Sunday, and NFL Insider Ian Rapoport has given a more detailed update on Campbell's injury.
Will Campbell injury update: Vrabel hopeful Campbell can return in regular season
According to Rapoport, Campbell suffered an MCL sprain and is slated to have an MRI on his knee. Rapoport added that Campbell is a candidate for Injured Reserve, which would keep him sidelined for at least four games. Head coach Mike Vrabel added that Campbell isn't expected to miss the remainder of the regular season. New England has five games remaining in the regular season, with a bye week in Week 14.
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
Vrabel discussed New England's injury woes in more detail on Monday morning during an appearance on WEEI. “We won’t know much,” Vrabel said. “Yesterday was not a great day for us with injuries. There will be some players that went out of that game yesterday that won’t be available 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’s 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.”
The news definitely brings a sigh of relief for Patriot and Tiger fans alike. Campbell's stellar play is a big reason why the Patriots are 10-2 on the season and holding the No. 1 spot in the AFC entering Week 13. Having him out for the rest of the season would be a major loss, but it appears that Campbell could be back at some point during the regular season and be available in the postseason as well. It's a situation worth monitoring, but Patriot fans are glad the news isn't worst case scenario at this point.
Campbell was drafted 4th overall by the Patriots this past spring in the 2025 NFL Draft, making him the highest drafted offensive lineman in LSU history. He is one of the most decorated linemen in LSU history, having been named Freshman All-SEC in 2022, Second Team All-SEC in 2022 and 2023, and First Team All-SEC and a Consensus All-American in 2024. His skill set has quickly translated to the NFL ranks, where has been amon the strongest rookies in the league so far this season.