Will Campbell makes surprising return to practice ahead of Dolphins matchup
FOXBOROUGH, MA. — In the midst of a challenging season, the New England Patriots have turned their sights toward their regular-season finale against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium this weekend. Fresh off an impressive 42-10 victory over the New York Jets and securing their first AFC East division title since 2019, the team welcomed rookie left tackle Will Campbell back to practice this week. His return has officially activated a 21-day window for him to come off injured reserve.
Campbell, a former standout at LSU, had been sidelined due to an MCL sprain sustained during the Patriots’ 26-20 Week 12 win against the Cincinnati Bengals. With league rules allowing his return for the pivotal Week 18 game, expectations are high that he could play a crucial role as the team heads into the playoffs.
A Journey Back to the Field
Before stepping onto the practice field, Campbell shared his feelings about the injury that kept him away from the game. He described the experience as “miserable,” emphasizing the emotional toll it took on him. Despite his frustration, Campbell remained connected to his teammates, focusing on his rehabilitation and doing everything within his power to return swiftly.
When pressed on the possibility of playing this weekend, Campbell was pragmatic, stating, “That’s not my call. I’m worried about one thing, and that’s [practice] in 30 minutes. We’ll see how that goes…” This measured approach reflects his commitment to taking the process step-by-step.
Positive Signs in Practice
Observations from the early moments of practice indicated that Campbell was in good spirits and appeared to be in solid physical condition. As the fourth overall pick in the recent draft, his presence on the field could significantly bolster the Patriots’ offensive line during this critical stretch.
As the Patriots prepare for their showdown with the Dolphins, Campbell’s return adds an intriguing layer to the team’s playoff aspirations. With the postseason on the horizon, his contributions could prove vital as the Patriots strive to make a deep run in the playoffs.
