FOXBORO — A key member of the Patriots’ 2025 draft class exited toward the locker room during the first half of Sunday’s game.
Minutes later, another followed suit.
Running back TreVeyon Henderson (ankle) and left tackle Will Campbell (knee) suffered injuries during the same second-quarter drive in New England’s 45-17 win over the Las Vegas Raiders at Gillette Stadium.
Campbell’s injury was “believed to be a knee sprain” that “will likely cause him to miss some time,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported. He is set to undergo an MRI on Monday. Henderson’s diagnosis was unclear as of Sunday night.
Henderson came up hobbling after an 11-yard jet sweep. Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn appeared to land on the Patriots back’s lower leg while dragging him down along the New England sideline. Henderson was briefly evaluated in the blue medical tent before retreating down the tunnel with team trainers.
After a Drake Maye incompletion to Romeo Doubs, Campbell then was rolled up on by multiple players while blocking for running back Rhamondre Stevenson. Maye’s blind-side protector, who has enjoyed a strong sophomore season after struggling late in his rookie campaign, grabbed at his right knee and gestured toward the Patriots sideline.
Campbell injured his MCL in the same knee last November. First-round draft pick Caleb Lomu, a backup and jumbo-package player through the first five weeks of his NFL career, replaced him on the left side.
The Patriots already were dealing with multiple injuries along the offensive line, having placed starting right guard Mike Onwenu and his top backup, Greg Van Roten, on injured reserve last month.
Campbell returned to the sideline later in the half, riding a stationary bike and practicing his pass-blocking sets. But he did not return to the field, and neither he nor Henderson emerged from the locker room after halftime. The Patriots ruled both out midway through the third quarter.
“Injuries are part of football, which sucks,” said Lomu, who could make his first professional start next week against the New York Jets. “You’re praying for everybody who has an injury, especially Will. But whatever happens, you’ve got to prepare like a starter, is what Coach (Mike Vrabel) tells us, and it’s completely true. Anything can happen. So prepare as the starter throughout the week, even if you’re not going to start, because things like this can happen.”
Even with Campbell sidelined, the Patriots successfully limited Raiders Pro Bowl pass rusher Maxx Crosby, who finished with one tackle, two quarterback hits and zero sacks. Maye threw for 374 yards and four touchdowns with no turnovers.
“Just proud of our offensive line, and I want to recognize them,” Vrabel said. “… Guys stepped up. Caleb had to go in there, and we had all hands on deck.”
Without Henderson, who rushed four times for 22 yards before his injury, the Patriots leaned on the veteran Stevenson to lead their rushing attack. He finished with 64 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries in the win after being listed as questionable on the team’s final injury report with a knee issue.
Third-string back Corey Kiner fumbled on his first carry but had gains of 10 and 32 yards in the fourth quarter.