Patriots’ Rookie Starters Campbell & Wilson Carted Off in Big Win
In a 26-20 road victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, the Patriots secured their ninth straight win (moving to 10-2) — but it came at a cost. Rookie left tackle Will Campbell (No. 4 overall pick) was carted off with a right knee injury in the third quarter, and rookie left guard Jared Wilson went down earlier with an ankle injury and also was taken off the field on a cart.
Campbell was hurt during a 4-yard run to the left side when he pulled and ended with his leg under a defender, prompting teammates to kneel around him as he was treated. He left the field with a towel over his head.
Wilson’s injury occurred very early—on the opening drive—when he exited with what was announced as an ankle injury, later seen in a walking boot.
What This Means for the Patriots’ Offensive Line
Campbell and Wilson had formed a rare rookie tandem in the Patriots’ starting left side of the line—a key reason the offense has been successful this season. According to ESPN, New England was only the second team since 2000 to start both a rookie LT and a rookie LG to open the season.
Losing both starters in one game leaves the line in a vulnerable position. The Patriots already had to turn to backups: veteran Vederian Lowe at LT and Ben Brown at LG finished the game in relief.
Quarterback Drake Maye emphasized the emotional side: “I love those guys. They’re going to work hard and be back. They’ve done such a good job for us this year… it hurts.”
What to Watch Going Forward
- Imaging and prognosis for Campbell: Early reports indicate Campbell will undergo MRI testing on his knee to assess ligament damage.
- Wilson’s recovery timeline: Ankle injuries vary widely; the boot and crutch suggest a potentially significant absence.
- Offensive line depth & continuity: If both are out for an extended stretch, the Patriots will need to rely on backups, which may affect quarterback protection, run blocking and overall offensive rhythm.
- Upcoming schedule challenges: With playoff implications mounting, any drop in O-line performance could impact the Patriots’ ability to sustain drives, protect Maye and execute game plans.
Final Thoughts
Even in a hard-earned win, the Patriots were handed a sharp reminder of how fragile success can be in the NFL. Their rookie starters at LT and LG—an integral part of their run through the season—were both carted off in one game. The true impact of these injuries may not be known until the coming days and weeks, but one thing is clear: New England’s Big Picture plans just became more complicated.