The New England Patriots are heading into their Week 14 bye with two major names on injured reserve: left tackle Will Campbell and defensive lineman Milton Williams. And while both are expected back before the postseason, their return timelines-and how the team handles their absence-could have a real impact on how the Patriots finish the regular season and gear up for a playoff run.
Let’s start with the basics. Campbell is dealing with an MCL sprain, while Williams is recovering from a high-ankle sprain.
Both injuries are common in the trenches, and both come with recovery timelines that can vary widely depending on the severity. The Patriots placed each on injured reserve, meaning they’ll miss at least four games.
But with New England’s bye week falling in Week 14, it doesn’t count toward that four-game minimum, which pushes their earliest return dates out a bit further.
Williams, who landed on IR one week before Campbell, is eligible to return in Week 17. Campbell won’t be eligible until Week 18.
Now, the good news: according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, both players are expected to be back before the postseason kicks off. That’s significant, especially considering what each brings to the table.
Williams has been a force on the defensive line this season, living up to the expectations that came with his big free-agent contract. He’s been disruptive against the run and the pass, giving the Patriots a reliable presence up front.
Campbell, meanwhile, has been anchoring the left side of the offensive line and protecting rookie quarterback Drake Maye’s blind side with the kind of physicality and poise that’s rare for a young tackle. His absence puts added pressure on the offensive line, and by extension, on Maye, who’s already navigating the steep learning curve of his first NFL season.
The Patriots’ playoff picture adds another layer of intrigue. Depending on how the final few weeks shake out, New England could find itself playing on Wild Card Weekend-or, if things fall their way, securing the AFC’s No. 1 seed and earning a first-round bye. That uncertainty makes the timing of Campbell’s and Williams’ returns even more important.
If the Patriots lock up the top seed before Week 18, they’ll have a decision to make: bring Campbell back in the regular-season finale to shake off the rust, or hold him out and give him a full extra week of rest before the Divisional Round? The same logic applies to Williams, who could be ready a week earlier. Getting either-or both-some live game reps before the playoffs would be ideal, but not at the expense of risking re-injury.
This is where New England’s depth and coaching will be tested. Can the offensive line hold up without its cornerstone left tackle?
Can the defensive front continue to generate pressure and plug gaps without one of its most consistent performers? The Patriots have weathered injuries before, but these two losses hit at premium positions and come at a critical point in the season.
For now, the focus is on recovery and readiness. If Williams and Campbell return on schedule, the Patriots could enter the postseason close to full strength in the trenches-a huge boost for a team with championship aspirations. But until then, how New England manages without them will say a lot about their resilience and readiness for what lies ahead.