The past 48 hours haven't been great for New England Patriots left tackle Will Campbell.
Campbell, the No. 4 overall pick from the 2025 NFL Draft, struggled to keep Drake Maye protected from the Seattle Seahawks during Sunday night's Super Bowl. He then declined to speak with reporters after the team's 29-13 loss.
Well, apparently there was a reason for Campbell's poor play in the Super Bowl.
Campbell revealed this Tuesday that he played through a torn ligament in his knee. Although he wasn't 100% for the playoffs, he claims it's not an excuse for his struggles against the Seahawks. NFL fans, however, believe he's trying to soften the blow for his rough Super Bowl performance.
"So now all these injuries are being disclosed after they got beat. Shocking," one fan commented.
"Says an excuse and follows up saying it’s no an excuse," a second fan said.
"Then why even bring it up if it’s not a excuse," another fan wrote.
Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Patriots committed to Campbell.
Speaking to the media this Tuesday, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel made it clear that Campbell will remain New England's left tackle for the 2026 season.
"Will’s 22 years old. He’s our left tackle. He’ll get better. He’ll get stronger. [He had] moments where he played well, moments where he blocked the guy. There’s plays he’d like to have back," Vrabel said, via Mark Daniels of Mass Live. "We’re not moving Will to guard, or center, or tight end, or anywhere else. So, I don’t know what to tell you."
Fans are convinced Campbell would have more success as an offensive guard, especially since his arms were below the preferred threshold for offensive tackles.
Clearly, the Patriots aren't ready to kick Campbell inside just yet.