Campbell reportedly faces missed time with knee sprain as Patriots turn to Lomu

Will Campbell’s knee injury could keep New England’s starting left tackle out beyond Sunday’s win over Las Vegas. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Campbell was believed to have suffered a sprain and would undergo an MRI Monday to confirm the injury. Rapoport said it would likely cause him to miss time.

Campbell left the 45-17 victory in the second quarter. The Patriots’ official game analysis identified the injury as a knee issue and confirmed that Caleb Lomu stepped in at left tackle. Sunday night’s report adds a possible absence to that in-game change, but it does not establish a confirmed diagnosis or return date.

New England’s protection held up well enough for Drake Maye to throw for 374 yards and account for five total touchdowns against the Raiders. The performance came with several established players unavailable. The Patriots entered the game without receiver A.J. Brown, receiver Mack Hollins and right guard Mike Onwenu, all on injured reserve, according to the team’s analysis.

Campbell’s departure created another adjustment on that already depleted offense. The official analysis credited the coaching staff’s preparation of reserves, including Lomu and guard Ben Brown, as a major part of the victory.

Coach Mike Vrabel attributed the team’s readiness to the players and his coordinators in his postgame remarks. That preparation now matters beyond the final score. If Campbell misses games, Lomu’s Sunday appearance becomes the beginning of an extended assignment protecting Maye’s left side, subject to the Patriots’ eventual personnel decision.

Running back TreVeyon Henderson also left Sunday’s game with an ankle injury. The team’s official analysis listed both departures, but the later report addressed Campbell specifically. Henderson’s status should remain a separate medical update.

For now, New England has a successful replacement performance to review and an unresolved health question at a critical position. The Patriots’ next update will determine whether Sunday’s line change becomes a longer-term necessity.

Sources

Patriots official observations from Raiders victory · Campbell expected to miss time · Patriots official postgame quotes