Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel expects rookie left tackle Will Campbell to return to practice this week.
Campbell has missed the last four game as he was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury he suffered
in Week 12 against the Bengals.
Despite the injury, Campbell has traveled with the team on their last two road trips to Baltimore and New York. That decision was made by the rookie lineman himself.
“I think Will cares deeply about this team and the players on it,” Vrabel said Monday. “That was his decision. I usually would rather these guys stay and get some rest and recover and treatment, and once he started feeling good enough to travel, he asked to go. I think it can only help him to be around his teammates.”
Week 18 marks the first week Campbell is eligible to practice on injured reserve, which would then begin his 21-day activation window. In order to play in the season finale against the Dolphins, the rookie would need to be activated by Saturday at 4 p.m.
Even with the AFC East clinched, Vrabel shared he expects healthy players to suit up.
“Probably everybody that’s healthy will play,” the coach said on WEEI. “I mean, that’s just where we’re at and haven’t looked too far into it this morning here. But I would anticipate everybody that’s healthy will play in the football game.”
After selecting Campbell fourth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, he started the first 12 weeks of the season on Drake Maye’s blindside and allowed five sacks and four quarterback hits. In his absence, Vederian Lowe has filled in adequately over the last month allowing just one sack and two quarterback hits.
