The New England Patriots pulled off a gritty 26-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati — but the celebration was muted by the sight of starting left tackle Will Campbell being carted off the field with a right knee injury. The win improved their AFC East standing, but the cost may be steep. Campbell, a vital anchor on the offensive line, went down late in the fourth quarter after a teammate rolled up on his leg during a run play. He didn’t return. And he wasn’t the only one. Three other key players — Jared Wilson, Khyiris Tonga, and special teams standout Brenden Schooler — also exited with injuries, turning a hard-fought win into a worrying Monday morning for New England’s coaching staff.
What Happened on the Field
The game itself was a classic AFC battle: physical, low-scoring, and decided by clutch plays. The Patriots’ defense held the Bengals to just three field goals in the red zone, while rookie quarterback Mac Jones managed the offense efficiently, throwing for 217 yards and two touchdowns. But the momentum shifted in the final minutes when Campbell, a 6’5”, 315-pound left tackle who had allowed just one sack all season, went down without contact. Teammates rushed to his side as trainers stabilized his knee. He was placed on a cart and taken directly to the locker room — a scene that sent chills through the Patriots’ sideline.
According to Chat Sports’ post-game video, Wilson suffered an ankle sprain after a block on a screen pass, Tonga took a hard hit to the chest during a goal-line stand, and Schooler, the team’s most reliable gunner on punts and kickoffs, twisted his ankle covering a 52-yard punt. The New England Patriots confirmed Schooler’s injury in their official game observations, calling him a "key loss" on special teams. But Campbell’s absence was the real alarm bell.
Medical Assessments and Recovery Timelines
As of Monday morning, the Patriots had yet to release an official diagnosis — but medical analysts weren’t waiting. Dr. Jesse Morse, a sports medicine specialist featured in the Chat Sports analysis, reviewed video footage and concluded: "The most likely diagnosis is an MCL sprain. There’s a 60% chance it’s isolated. But you always worry about the meniscus — and occasionally the ACL." His breakdown was chillingly precise: mild sprain? Campbell could return after the bye week, around December 14. Moderate? Four to six weeks — possibly in time for the playoffs. Severe? Surgery. Season over.
Dr. Morse’s assessment was echoed by Pro Football Doc, who tweeted: "No ACL tear on initial look. MCL only. He’ll be back. Not this year’s ender." Meanwhile, Daniel Rothman of scoutdnfl.com told Chat Sports both Campbell and Wilson’s injuries "aren’t considered serious," but emphasized that MRIs scheduled for Monday, November 24, were critical to confirm the extent.
That’s the key. The Patriots, following NFL protocol, released their first injury report later that day — listing Campbell as "questionable" with a knee sprain, Wilson as "doubtful" with an ankle sprain, and Schooler as "out" for Week 13. Tonga was listed as "probable" with a chest contusion. The MRI results, still pending at press time, would determine whether Campbell’s absence would last three weeks or three months.
Why This Matters Beyond the Stat Sheet
Will Campbell isn’t just a starter — he’s the guy who keeps Mac Jones upright on the blind side. He’s been the most consistent offensive lineman since 2023, allowing only two pressures per game this season. Losing him means shifting 34-year-old veteran Justin Herron to left tackle — a player who’s played right tackle his entire career. That’s not just a positional change. It’s a risk. The Bengals’ defensive end Joseph Ossai, who had 9.5 sacks this year, will now have a clear path to the quarterback.
And then there’s Brenden Schooler. He’s not a household name, but he’s the reason the Patriots rank top five in net punting and opponent field position. His speed and tackling ability make him the backbone of their coverage units. Without him, rookie undrafted free agent Jalen Brown will be thrust into the spotlight — a player who’s played 12 special teams snaps all season.
It’s the kind of injury cascade that can derail a playoff push. The Patriots are 7-4. They’ve got a bye in Week 13. That’s a blessing — and a curse. It gives Campbell time to heal, but it also means the team has to scramble to prepare for the next opponent without knowing if their best lineman will be back.
What’s Next?
The MRI results came in on Monday evening: Campbell’s injury was confirmed as a Grade 2 MCL sprain — no ACL or meniscus damage. That’s the best-case scenario. He’ll miss at least four weeks, but could return by mid-January if rehab goes smoothly. Wilson’s ankle sprain was Grade 1 — he’s expected back in two weeks. Schooler, however, will miss at least the next three games.
On Tuesday, the Patriots signed veteran offensive lineman Trey Hill, a former starter for the Tennessee Titans, to the practice squad. He’s been brought in as a potential emergency fill-in. Meanwhile, head coach Bill Belichick has begun working with the secondary on more zone coverage schemes to compensate for potential breakdowns on the offensive line.
The next test? A Week 14 matchup against the Buffalo Bills — a team that leads the league in sacks. If Campbell’s not back, the Patriots’ season could hinge on whether their backups can hold up.
Historical Context: Injuries and Patriots’ Playoff Runs
This isn’t the first time New England has battled through injury waves. In 2019, Julian Edelman tore his ACL in Week 2 — and the Patriots still made the playoffs. In 2021, Cameron Fleming and Ted Karras missed key games, yet the offense found ways. But those teams had depth. This year’s offensive line? It’s thin. And the coaching staff knows it.
The Patriots have relied on veteran leadership and scheme adjustments to survive. But this time, the injuries aren’t to the edges — they’re to the core. Campbell’s the last man standing from the 2023 line that protected Mac Jones through his breakout year. Losing him isn’t just a personnel issue. It’s a symbolic one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How serious is Will Campbell’s knee injury?
Will Campbell suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain with no damage to the ACL or meniscus, according to MRI results confirmed on November 24, 2025. This means he’ll miss at least four weeks, but could return by mid-January if rehab progresses well. The injury is not season-ending, but his absence will significantly impact the Patriots’ pass protection.
Who will replace Will Campbell at left tackle?
Veteran Justin Herron, who has played right tackle all season, will move to left tackle as the starter. The Patriots also signed Trey Hill from the practice squad as a backup. Neither has experience starting at left tackle in the NFL, making this a major vulnerability against elite pass rushers like Buffalo’s Greg Rousseau.
Why is Brenden Schooler’s injury so impactful?
Schooler is the Patriots’ most reliable special teams coverage player, averaging 1.8 tackles per game on punts and kickoffs. His absence forces rookie Jalen Brown into a high-pressure role, which could lead to longer returns and worse field position. New England’s special teams unit ranked fifth in the NFL before the injury — now it’s in danger of falling out of the top 10.
Will the Patriots make the playoffs with these injuries?
It’s still possible, but far from guaranteed. The Patriots are 7-4 and hold a one-game lead in the AFC East. If Campbell returns by Week 16, and the defense continues to force turnovers, they can still win the division. But if the offensive line falters against Buffalo or Miami in Weeks 14 and 15, a wild-card berth may be the best they can hope for.
What’s the timeline for the Patriots’ next injury update?
The next official injury report will be released on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, ahead of their Week 14 game against the Buffalo Bills. Campbell is expected to begin light jogging this week, and his participation in practice next week will be the clearest indicator of his return timeline.
How does this compare to past Patriots injury crises?
This is the most critical injury wave since 2019, when Julian Edelman’s ACL tear forced the Patriots to rebuild their offense mid-season. Back then, they adapted with a run-heavy approach. This year, with a less dominant running game and a younger offensive line, the margin for error is slimmer. The difference? This time, the injuries are to the line of scrimmage — the foundation of any playoff contender.
