On Friday, New England ruled out OLB Harold Landry III (knee), LB Robert Spillane (ankle), LG Jared Wilson (concussion), and NT Khyiris Tonga for Week 18. The Patriots also listed FB Jack Westover (ankle) and CB Charles Woods (foot) as questionable for Sunday’s game vs. the Dolphins. With possible returns from injured reserve on the horizon, DT Milton Williams (ankle) and LT Will Campbell (knee) are off the injury report.
Starting with a trio of Patriots currently on injured reserve, reinforcements should be arriving for New England just in time for the playoffs. This week, starting LT Will Campbell returned to practice for the first time since injuring his knee in a Week 12 win over the Bengals. Campbell was injured when he was hit on the side of his knee while pulling in space in front of a run play. As for Williams, the standout defensive tackle returned to practice last week, but wasn’t active in Week 17. Lastly, CB Alex Austin (wrist) is also eligible to return from injured reserve.
Campbell, the fourth-overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, started the first 12 games of his NFL career at left tackle. He was having a strong rookie campaign, ranking second among rookie tackles in pressure rate allowed (5.4%). At the time of the injury, the hope was that the 21-year-old would be able to return for the postseason and after being a full participant in practice this week, it appears that Campbell is on track to return for at least the postseason.
Although he’ll be welcomed back with open arms, backup LT Vederian Lowe filled in well for Campbell over the last four games. In four starts filling in for Campbell, Lowe only allowed one sack, showing he is capable of spot-starting in place of the talented rookie. New England also has some uncertainty at left guard with third-round rookie Jared Wilson remaining in concussion protocol. Last week, super-sub Ben Brown made his third start at left guard for Wilson, but had some ups and downs, allowing three total pressures.
Depending on whether Campbell is activated for Sunday’s game, the Patriots have two possible starting offensive line combinations. The first option would be LT Campbell, LG Brown, C Bradbury, RG Onwenu, and RT Moses. The other would be another week of Lowe in for Campbell at left tackle, with New England having until 4 p.m. ET on Saturday to decide on Austin, Campbell, and Williams.
As for Williams, the standout defensive tackle has participated in the last four practices in a limited capacity, as he works his way back from a high-ankle sprain suffered in Week 11. Williams told reporters this week that he has more “confidence” in his ankle to possibly give it a go on Sunday, while adding that he’d like to knock some of the rust off before the playoffs. On Friday, head coach Mike Vrabel had a positive update on Campbell and Williams.
“We’ll see how they respond from today’s work. Tried to get them a full week of work in, but I think it looks good. Both of them were able to work the whole week and we’ll see where we’re at tomorrow,” Vrabel said.
Campbell and Williams playing in Sunday’s regular-season finale will give them in-game reps before the intensity increases in the playoffs. However, three key defenders remain out for the Patriots: Landry, Spillane, and Tonga. With the Pats missing four key pieces in their front seven, including Williams, their run defense has slumped to 19th in rush EPA allowed, while New England now ranks 20th in pass-rush win rate. The run defense, in particular, is missing its starting MIKE linebacker (Spillane), best block-shedder (Williams), and run-stuffing nose tackle (Tonga).
Although he won’t play this week, Spillane returned to practice on Friday for the first time in three weeks, a positive step toward a potential return in the playoffs. Spillane was last active in the Patriots loss to the Bills but didn’t play and hasn’t played or been at practice since Week 15. Spillane also appeared on WEEI radio and gave a positive update on his status for the playoffs.
“I’m very motivated. Every day I come here eager to get back on the field, preparing. I think we’re moving in the right direction. I’m looking forward to getting back on the field,” Spillane said.
As for the Dolphins, star RB De’Von Achane (shoulder) is doubtful and starting S Minkah Fitzpatrick (calf) won’t play on Sunday for Miami. Achane leads the league in yards per carry (5.7) and explosive runs (40), anchoring the eighth-ranked rushing attack in EPA. The Dolphins are mathematically eliminated from postseason contention, so with nothing to play for on Sunday, Achane could sit – a significant loss. Rookie RB Ollie Gordon II and Jaylen Wright will likely get the bulk of the carries for Miami if Achane doesn’t play.
Although the Patriots are headed to the playoffs as AFC East champs, the AFC playoff seeding is still undecided heading into Week 18. With a win, New England secures a top-two seed, while it could finish with the No. 1 overall seed in the conference with a win and a Broncos loss. If the Patriots lose, they could fall to the No. 3 seed if the Jaguars beat the Titans in Jacksonville. With a chance at the No. 1 overall seed and the No. 2 seed to preserve, Vrabel said all healthy players will play vs. the Dolphins on Sunday. As mentioned, the Patriots have until 4 p.m. ET on Saturday to activate Austin, Campbell, and Williams from injured reserve – we’ll keep you updated.
The Patriots host the Dolphins in Sunday’s regular-season finale at 4:25 p.m. ET.
