In a hard-fought victory that kept the New England Patriots’ impressive season rolling, the team faced a significant setback with injuries to two key offensive linemen. During Sunday’s 26-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium, left tackle Will Campbell and guard Jared Wilson were both carted off the field and ruled out for the remainder of the game.
Campbell, a rookie first-round pick (No. 4 overall) from LSU, suffered a knee injury in the second quarter while blocking on a run play. He was initially listed as questionable but did not return. Wilson, a third-round selection (No. 95 overall) from Georgia, went down with an ankle injury later in the game and was also carted to the locker room. Both players have been integral to the Patriots’ offensive line this season, with Campbell starting all 12 games and Wilson appearing in 11 starts.
Head coach Mike Vrabel offered limited updates postgame, stating that the team would evaluate the injuries further upon returning to Gillette Stadium on Monday. Special teams standout Brenden Schooler also sustained an ankle injury in the contest and was seen in a walking boot afterward.
Quarterback Drake Maye, who has been enjoying a breakout sophomore season with 3,130 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and just six interceptions through 12 games, expressed his concern and support for his injured teammates during the postgame press conference. “Shoot, I love those guys, man. They’re gonna be alright… I love those guys,” Maye said, according to team-provided video. He added, “Will and Jared, they’ve meant a lot to me… It hurts. It’s disappointing, man.”
Maye’s emotional response underscores the close-knit nature of the Patriots’ locker room, especially along the offensive line that has protected him amid a resurgent 10-2 campaign. The young quarterback, drafted third overall in 2024, has credited his linemen for much of his success, including a strong performance against the Bengals where he completed 22 of 35 passes for 294 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
In the locker room following the game, Campbell was not available during media access, while Wilson was spotted in a walking boot and using a crutch. Schooler was similarly equipped, highlighting the physical toll of the matchup.
The Patriots, currently sitting atop the AFC East with a two-game lead, will monitor the statuses of Campbell, Wilson, and Schooler closely as they prepare for their next game against the Indianapolis Colts on December 1. More substantial updates are expected early this week, but the injuries could force adjustments to an offensive line that has been a cornerstone of New England’s success this year.
Despite the concerns, the win improves the Patriots’ record to 10-2, keeping them in prime position for a playoff bye. Maye’s leadership and the team’s depth will be tested, but as the QB himself noted, the focus remains on resilience: “They’re gonna be alright.”