The New England Patriots expect to be without rookie starting left tackle Will Campbell after he was carted off the field last week in Cincinnati with an MCL sprain. To give themselves some insurance, the Patriots added veteran tackle Thayer Munford on Tuesday to bolster the offensive line's depth while Campbell is on injured reserve.
This is Munford’s second stint with the Patriots this season. He was signed to the practice squad at the end of August before being signed a month later by the Cleveland Browns. He was eventually waived and then re-signed to their practice squad, which is how New England was able to reacquire him so easily.
Thayer Munford Gives Patriots Familiarity Amid Will Campbell's Absence
Munford was drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders in the seventh round in 2022 when Pats offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was the head coach. He played in 32 games with 14 starts while playing for McDaniels. Overall in his career, he’s played in 46 of 51 possible games with 18 starts.
It’s worth pointing out that when the Patriots initially signed Munford in August, it was just two days after he was released by the Raiders. It shows that New England really values what Munford can offer them, and the connection to McDaniels is too close not to mean anything for this team.
Munford is a versatile lineman who has experience playing in both tackle positions and as a tight end in eligible sets. This gives the Patriots flexibility on the offensive line as they continue working towards the playoffs and regaining much-needed health as a team.
He hasn’t done it in the NFL, but Munford could get some run at guard, which he did in college while at Ohio State from 2017-21. It’s fair to assume that head coach Mike Vrabel is somewhat familiar with Munford as a proud alumnus of Ohio State and strong follower of the football program.
That said, along with Campbell, rookie starting left guard Jared Wilson was also injured against the Bengals and exited the game after just four snaps into the game. He was carted off the field with an ankle injury, leaving his future uncertain.
With the Patriots having to manage injuries to the starting left side of the offensive line, depth will be heavily relied on this upcoming week against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football and moving forward this season.
The Patriots positioned themselves to have larger goals this season, and with the playoffs in sight, the O-line depth is going to be more vital down the stretch of the regular season. Munford on the roster helps the Patriots in this aspect for the rest of the season.