Patriots confirm Will Campbell as starting left tackle despite injury concerns and draft selection
Team officials affirm Campbell’s position while outlining future plans for first-round pick Caleb Lomu
New England Patriots offensive tackle Will Campbell has outlined the rigorous rehabilitation process he undertook to recover from a knee injury that sidelined him for four games late last season. The rookie tackle, who initially provided solid protection for quarterback Drake Maye, underwent physical therapy five days a week throughout the entire offseason to restore strength in his knee.
Campbell’s return for the playoffs was marked by visible changes in his performance, with team official Eliot Wolf noting at the NFL Combine that the tackle did not display the same level of lower-body strength observed prior to the injury. Campbell acknowledged the challenge of the recovery process, stating that his primary focus was rebuilding the strength in his knee to return to his previous baseline.
Despite the physical setbacks and lingering questions regarding his long-term viability at left tackle, Patriots officials have confirmed that Campbell remains the starting left tackle. This decision comes despite speculation that the team might consider moving him inside to guard, a suggestion that gained traction due to concerns over his durability and performance dip following the injury.
The roster dynamics were further complicated by the Patriots’ selection of Caleb Lomu in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Concerns about Campbell’s recovery were amplified by the draft pick, leading to speculation about the team’s offensive line future. However, Wolf clarified the personnel strategy after the draft, indicating that Campbell will retain his role at left tackle.
Wolf stated that Lomu is expected to become the future right tackle, eventually taking over the position from Morgan Moses. This arrangement allows the Patriots to maintain stability on the left side while planning for the right side’s transition. Campbell’s performance in his second year will be closely watched to determine if he can fully overcome the effects of the injury and meet the expectations set by the team’s leadership.
