TheNew England Patriotsjust lost a key piece of their offense as they head down the stretch run.
Head coach Mike Vrabel announced Wednesday the team placed star left tackle Will Campbell, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, on IR with a knee injury.
The 21-year-old was carted off the field during the third quarter of the team's 26-20 win over theCincinnati BengalsSunday.
Campbell will be eligible to return for the team's Week 18 game against the Miami Dolphins. Vederian Lowe is expected to start in his place.
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The Patriots are 10-2, winners of nine straight games and sit atop the AFC East. They play theBuffalo Bills,who are second in the AFC East at 7-4, in Week 15, a game Campbell will miss.
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A big reason for the Patriots' turnaround — they were 4-13 last season — is the team's revamped offensive line.
In 2024, the team's Week 1 offensive linemen included Chukwuma Okorafor at left tackle, Michael Jordan at left guard, David Andrews at center, Layden Robinson at right guard and Michael Onwenu at right tackle.
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Over the offseason, the team made additions to the offensive line through both the NFL Draft and free agency. In 2025, their Week 1 offensive line was Campbell at left tackle, Jared Wilson at left guard, Garrett Bradbury at center, Onwenu at right guard and Morgan Moses at right tackle.
The remade offensive line has been critical in second-year quarterback Drake Maye's ascension into the MVP conversation this year.
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Maye, 23, leads theNflin completion percentage (71%) and yards (3,130), while throwing 21 touchdowns and six interceptions in 12 games. A huge reason for this spike in production is improved protection.
However, Maye could be missing Wilson too. The left guard also left the team's win over the Bengals with an injury.
It is unclear if Wilson will be able to play against theNew York Giants(2-10) on Monday.
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Original article source:Patriots place star offensive player on IR with knee injury ahead of stretch run