The Patriots got a major sigh of relief Wednesday when Will Campbell showed up on the practice field just days after a knee scare that had fans bracing for the worst.
Campbell, the team’s starting left tackle, had to leave Sunday’s win over the Raiders in the second quarter after Rhamondre Stevenson landed on the back of his right knee. He walked off gingerly, and the scene looked especially troubling because it was the same knee that cost him a big chunk of last season after a torn MCL and also affected his postseason play.
The initial read on the injury wasn’t encouraging. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Sunday evening that Campbell would be sidelined with a knee sprain. But Wednesday brought better signs: Campbell was listed as a limited participant, and he left New England’s locker room in full uniform and cleats before the full-squad session in Foxborough.
He wasn’t part of the main group during the media viewing period, but being on the injury report and taking part in some football activities was still a positive step.
Drake Maye wasn’t shocked to see him back so quickly.
“I like to claim I’m from the South and Will’s from the South, so he’s tough,” Maye said. “I think you respect guys, especially on the offensive line, of how much they go through, wear and tear. … Props to him.
“Guys are playing through stuff and that’s kind of the mentality,” he added. “[Need] to be smart, but at the same time you wanna be out there with your guys. That’s an example of what Will is, and you go to battle with those guys.”
Campbell also sounded encouraged by how this latest issue feels compared with last year’s injury. He did return to the field Sunday and rode a stationary bike in the second half before being ruled out.
“I was pissed off. But as [expletive] as it is, it’s part of this game,” Campbell said.
“It’s part of playing positions we play. Stuff happens and just got to hope that the chips kind of fall your way.”
“I could definitely tell a difference from this year to last year,” he added of the injury. “It’s solid. We’ll be all right.”
For now, his status for Sunday’s game against the Jets is still up in the air. New England also has a short week ahead, with a Thursday Night Football matchup in Chicago on Oct. 22.
The Patriots do have a fallback plan if Campbell can’t go. Rookie Caleb Lomu is in line to start at left tackle, and Marcus Bryant was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday as he works back into the mix.
“It always could be worse,” Campbell said. “Just take it day by day.
Not going to put any expectations on anything. Just trust my body, see how I’m feeling, ramping up and things like that and see what happens.”
Here is New England’s full injury report:
DID NOT PARTICIPATE
CB Karon Prunty - Hamstring
CB Carlton Davis - Neck
LIMITED PARTICIPATION
S Kevin Byard III - Chest
WR A.J. Brown - Ankle
T Marcus Bryant - Ankle
T Will Campbell - Knee
CB Channing Canada - Hamstring
LB Christian Elliss - Chest
CB Christian Gonzalez - Shoulder
RB TreVeyon Henderson - Ankle
LB Dre’Mont Jones - Shoulder
CB Marcus Jones - Ankle
T Morgan Moses - Foot
CB Charles Woods - Shoulder
S Craig Woodson - Shoulder
FULL PARTICIPATION
QB Drake Maye - Right Shoulder
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