Caleb Lomu replaced injured starting left tackle Will Campbell during the New England Patriots’ 45-17 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, stepping into the lineup in the second quarter. Lomu allowed no sacks or quarterback hits in 29 pass-blocking snaps, according to PFF.
Boston.com reported that Campbell left with an apparent knee injury. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Campbell suffered a knee sprain and would likely miss some time, while head coach Mike Vrabel said the Patriots were evaluating him day by day.
Caleb Lomu replaces Will Campbell in Patriots’ win over Raiders
Campbell exited in the second quarter, and Lomu took over at left tackle. The 45-17 victory gave the Patriots a decisive result, but the injury left the team with an immediate question at a key position on the offensive line.
Lomu, New England’s first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, entered the game in relief. His performance offered an initial look at how the rookie handled a regular-season assignment at left tackle, without establishing what his role will be in the games ahead.
What the Patriots have said about Will Campbell’s knee injury
Rapoport reported that Campbell sustained a knee sprain and was likely to miss “some time.” That is the expectation reported by the NFL Network analyst, rather than a confirmed timeline from the team.
Vrabel described Campbell’s status as an ongoing evaluation. “We’ll see how the week goes,” he said, adding that the Patriots would take the situation day by day and monitor how Campbell felt as the week progressed.
The distinction matters for the offensive line: Rapoport’s report points to a possible absence, while Vrabel’s comments leave the team’s assessment open. Campbell’s availability for the next game had not been established by those comments.
Caleb Lomu’s pass protection numbers against Las Vegas
PFF credited Lomu with 29 pass-blocking snaps against the Raiders. He allowed no sacks and no quarterback hits, while PFF recorded one hurry and one total pressure, with a 98.0 pass-block efficiency rating.
The one pressure is separate from the sack and quarterback-hit figures: Lomu’s line included one total pressure but no sacks and no hits. Those numbers offer a specific snapshot of his pass protection in relief, rather than a guarantee about how he will perform with a larger workload.
Vrabel and Morgan Moses assess Lomu’s relief appearance
Vrabel said Lomu settled down after entering the game and handled the opportunity well. “I don’t think it was too big for him,” Vrabel said. “You didn’t really notice him a lot, so I think that’s probably a good thing.”
Vrabel also described the importance of working with the lineman next to him, noting that different combinations may be needed. That coordination is part of the challenge for a rookie taking snaps at left tackle, where each assignment depends on how the rest of the Patriots offensive line works together.
Veteran tackle Morgan Moses also praised Lomu’s confidence. “He’s confident. That’s the most important thing,” Moses said, adding: “You never know when your number is going to be called.” Moses said Lomu had done a good job, while noting the group would review areas that needed correction.
What Lomu’s opportunity could mean for the Patriots offensive line
Campbell’s status will be an important factor in how New England sets its offensive line. Lomu’s appearance at left tackle gives the Patriots an available option at the position, but neither Vrabel’s evaluation nor the performance against Las Vegas confirms a change to the starting lineup.
The Patriots were scheduled to host the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium the following Sunday. Campbell’s availability and Lomu’s role for that game remained tied to the team’s ongoing evaluation and any decisions made during the week.
For now, the clearest takeaway is that Lomu handled 29 pass-blocking snaps without allowing a sack or quarterback hit, and that New England has not publicly settled the question of Campbell’s return. The rookie’s opportunity could grow if Campbell misses time, but a larger assignment should not be treated as confirmed.
