Will Campbell injury update: Patriots' first-round tackle returns to practice

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Will Campbell injury update: Patriots' first-round tackle returns to practice

Mark Daniels · MassLive

Wed, Dec 31, 2025 ·

2 min read

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FOXBOROUGH – As Will Campbell was falling to the ground in Cincinnati , he heard a pop.

That’s when the rookie knew he was in trouble. From there, the Patriots ’ left tackle was carted off the field with the first serious injury of his football life.

His first thought was utter disappointment, or in this case, an explicit word.

“(Expletive),” Campbell said when asked about his reaction to the injury. “I mean, just disappointed. Whenever you hear a noise, it’s not something that you want to hear. I think every athlete in every sport will tell you that. It’s just difficult to process, but I had a lot of good guys around me on the team, the coaching staff, the training staff, that have gone through this injury before. They helped talk me through everything.”

On Wednesday, Campbell was grateful to be back with his teammates. The Patriots ’ No. 4 overall pick returned to practice for the first time since suffering the knee injury against the Bengals in Week 12.

Campbell spent the last five weeks and four games watching his teammates play and admitted that it was difficult, but he was happy to be back after rehabilitating his knee.

“It’s exciting,” Campbell said. “I’ve been working hard over these past couple of weeks just trying to get back, so to be able to finally get back out there today, I’m excited.”

Campbell grew accustomed to playing through injury. At Neville High School, Campbell was supposed to miss a playoff game with a lower-body injury. However, the offensive lineman opted to get dressed at halftime and play in the second half.

At LSU, Campbell played in every game.

That’s how it was to start the season as the rookie started the Patriots ’ first 12 games. The knee injury marked the first time Campbell had to miss time on the football field.

“Oh, it’s miserable,” Campbell said. “The first time I ever had to sit out a game for an injury in my entire life. It obviously isn’t fun, but it’s a part of this game. Just tried to attack the rehab process and get better.”

Campbell said the team will see how he plays this week before deciding on whether or not he can play in the Patriots’ regular-season finale against the Miami Dolphins .

“I’ve been working on the mental hurdles for the past four weeks,” Campbell said. “Today is obviously my first practice against a human that’s wearing a helmet and shoulder pads. We’ll see how it goes.”

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