Following a dominant victory against the New York Jets in Week 17, the New England Patriots clinched the AFC East for the first time since 2019. Fast forward to Wednesday, when head coach Mike Vrabel revealed to Pats fans that more great news is on the horizon.
Vrabel has revealed that 2025 fourth-overall pick Will Campbell is back practicing this week as he works his way back from injury reserve. The former LSU Tiger has been on injury reserve since suffering an MCL sprain against the Cincinnati Bengals on Nov. 23. According to Pro Football Focus, he had only allowed 25 pressures on 452 passing downs up to that point.
While the team has gone 3-1 in his absence, getting Campbell back to protect quarterback Drake Maye’s blind spot becomes increasingly important as the team shifts its focus toward the postseason.
Will Campbell Could Gives Patriots a Major Boost Before Playoffs
Getting Campbell back in the starting lineup would bring much-needed stability along the offensive line at the perfect time. When at full strength, the combination of Campbell, Jared Wilson, Garrett Bradbury, Mike Onwenu, and Morgan Moses has one of New England’s most reliable units. That consistency has allowed second-year quarterback Maye to play at an MVP level and has given the running backs consistent lanes to generate production on the ground.
It's also worth noting that Campbell's game only became cleaner as time went on. Yes, he has seven penalties on the year; however, only one of those calls came in his last five games.
Even if Campbell does not return to his starting role this week, getting him live practice reps and potentially limited snaps would allow the Patriots to reestablish their continuity across the offensive line before the playoffs begin. For Maye, who has yet to play a snap of playoff football, that continuity is invaluable as the margin for error tightens in January.
The upcoming clash with the Miami Dolphins now becomes less about the scoreboard and more about rhythm, timing, and health. With the division already secured, Week 18 offers New England an ideal opportunity to fine-tune its lineup and evaluate how close Campbell is to full strength in a game setting.
If Campbell can come out of the week feeling strong, the Patriots will enter the postseason with one of their most important pieces trending in the right direction. In a game that once looked meaningless, Campbell’s potential return could make Week 18 the Patriots’ most important tune-up of the season.