Will Campbell Placed on Injured Reserve by the New England Patriots

The New England Patriots’ offensive line, already navigating inconsistencies early in the 2025 NFL season, suffered a significant blow this week when the team announced that rookie left tackle Will Campbell has been placed on injured reserve. The move, which comes after Campbell suffered a knee injury in the Patriots’ Week 6 loss to the Miami Dolphins, means he will miss at least the next four games—leaving a gaping hole at a position critical to protecting quarterback Mac Jones and stabilizing the running game. Will Campbell Placed on Injured Reserve by the New England Patriots explores the implications of this loss, from the Patriots’ immediate roster adjustments to the long-term impact on their offensive strategy and Campbell’s development as a foundational piece. For a Patriots team fighting to stay relevant in the AFC East, this injury isn’t just a short-term setback—it’s a test of their depth and adaptability.

Will Campbell Placed on Injured Reserve by the New England Patriots begins with the details of Campbell’s injury and the events leading to his IR placement. The 22-year-old, a first-round pick (18th overall) in the 2025 NFL Draft out of LSU, emerged as the Patriots’ starting left tackle in training camp, beating out veteran Trent Brown for the job. Through the first six weeks, Campbell had shown promise—allowing just two sacks and grading out as the Patriots’ highest-rated offensive lineman by Pro Football Focus (72.3 overall). His injury occurred late in the third quarter against the Dolphins, when he was rolled up on by a teammate during a running play. Initial X-rays were negative, but an MRI later revealed a mild MCL sprain and a bone bruise—injuries that Patriots head coach Bill Belichick described as “significant enough to require rest and rehabilitation.” “Will has been a bright spot for us on the offensive line,” Belichick said in a press conference. “He’s a hard worker, and he’s adapted quickly to the NFL. This is an unfortunate setback, but we’re confident he’ll come back stronger.” The Patriots waited until after Week 7 practice to place Campbell on IR, hoping he might avoid the designation, but ultimately decided the long-term risk of rushing him back outweighed the short-term benefit.

A key challenge highlighted in Will Campbell Placed on Injured Reserve by the New England Patriots is the Patriots’ struggle to replace Campbell at left tackle. With Campbell sidelined, the team has shifted Brown back to left tackle—his natural position—after playing him at right tackle for the first six weeks. To fill Brown’s spot on the right side, the Patriots have elevated second-year player Sidy Sow from the practice squad to the active roster. Sow, a fourth-round pick in 2024 out of Eastern Michigan, played in just three games as a rookie and has never started an NFL game. The Patriots also considered signing a free-agent tackle, such as former Detroit Lion Taylor Decker or ex-Kansas City Chief Orlando Brown Jr., but opted for internal options to maintain continuity in their offensive line scheme. “We have confidence in Trent and Sidy,” offensive line coach Adrian Klemm said. “Trent has played left tackle at a high level in this league, and Sidy has been working hard in practice. This is an opportunity for him to show what he can do.” However, the transition carries risks: Brown, who turns 32 this season, has a history of injury issues, and Sow’s inexperience could leave the Patriots vulnerable to elite edge rushers like the Buffalo Bills’ Von Miller or the Miami Dolphins’ Bradley Chubb.

Will Campbell Placed on Injured Reserve by the New England Patriots also examines how this loss impacts the Patriots’ overall offensive strategy. With a less experienced offensive line, the Patriots may be forced to adjust their game plan—prioritizing quick passes to tight ends Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki, and relying more on the running game to reduce Jones’ time in the pocket. Through six weeks, the Patriots ranked 12th in the NFL in passing yards (245 per game) and 18th in rushing yards (105 per game); without Campbell’s protection, those numbers could decline. Jones, who has already been sacked 14 times this season, will need to speed up his decision-making to avoid additional pressure, while running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and Ezekiel Elliott may see more carries in short-yardage situations. “We have to play to our strengths and minimize the pressure on our line,” offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien said. “That means being efficient in the passing game and taking what the defense gives us. We can’t afford to put Mac in situations where he’s under constant duress.” For the New England Patriots, this adjustment isn’t just about surviving Campbell’s absence—it’s about keeping their playoff hopes alive in a competitive AFC East, where every loss could widen the gap between them and division leaders like the Dolphins.

Another layer of Will Campbell Placed on Injured Reserve by the New England Patriots is the impact on Campbell’s development as a future cornerstone of the Patriots’ offensive line. As a first-round pick, Campbell was expected to anchor the left tackle position for the next decade, following in the footsteps of Patriots legends like Matt Light and Nate Solder. His early success this season validated that investment, but the injury will pause his momentum and force him to focus on rehabilitation rather than on-field growth. The Patriots’ medical staff has outlined a four-to-six-week recovery timeline, meaning Campbell could return as early as Week 11 against the New York Jets—but Belichick has emphasized that the team will not rush his comeback. “Player health is our top priority,” Belichick said. “Will is a young player with a long career ahead of him, and we want to make sure he’s fully healthy before he steps back on the field. We’re not going to take any shortcuts with his recovery.” For the New England Patriots, protecting Campbell’s long-term health is critical: losing him for an extended period would set back their offensive line rebuild, which has been a priority since Tom Brady’s departure in 2020. This injury also underscores the importance of drafting depth along the offensive line—a lesson the Patriots may apply in future drafts.

Looking ahead, Will Campbell Placed on Injured Reserve by the New England Patriots leaves the Patriots with a critical stretch of games to navigate without their starting left tackle. Over the next four weeks, they face the Denver Broncos (with edge rusher Randy Gregory), the Las Vegas Raiders (Maxx Crosby), the Cleveland Browns (Myles Garrett), and the Jets (Jermaine Johnson II)—all teams with elite pass rushers who could exploit Sow’s inexperience on the right side. To counter these threats, the Patriots may use more tight end and running back protections, or shift to a more run-heavy offense to keep opposing pass rushers off balance. “This is a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity for our team to grow,” Belichick said. “Adversity tests your character, and we’ll see how this team responds. We have the talent and the coaching to compete, even with key players sidelined.” For the New England Patriots, Campbell’s injury is a reminder of the NFL’s unpredictability—and the importance of building a deep, resilient roster. If they can weather this storm, they’ll remain in the playoff hunt; if not, they could face another season of disappointment in a division they once dominated.

Will Campbell Placed on Injured Reserve by the New England Patriots is ultimately a story of resilience—for Campbell, for the Patriots’ offensive line, and for the team as a whole. Campbell’s injury is a setback, but it’s not a derailment; with proper rehabilitation, he can return to his early-season form and continue his development as a top-tier left tackle. For the Patriots, this moment is a test of their ability to adapt to adversity—a trait that defined their dynasty under Belichick and Brady. As they navigate the next four weeks, the Patriots will rely on veteran leadership (from Brown and Jones) and emerging talent (from Sow) to keep their season on track. And when Campbell returns, he’ll rejoin a team that has grown stronger through struggle—ready to help the Patriots chase another AFC East title and a spot in the playoffs. For New England, this injury isn’t the end of their 2025 season—it’s a chance to prove they still have what it takes to compete with the NFL’s best.