Will Campbell’s Return: A Boost for the Patriots’ Offense

The New England Patriots made a significant move on Sunday, activating offensive tackle Will Campbell and defensive tackle Milton Williams to their 53-man roster just in time for their regular season finale against the Miami Dolphins. Both players had been on injured reserve for several weeks, but their return signals a positive shift for the team as they prepare for the postseason.

Blindside Protector is Back

Will Campbell, selected with the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft, has quickly established himself as a key player at left tackle. His performance as quarterback Drake Maye’s blindside protector has been impressive, despite some early hiccups. However, he suffered a knee injury in Week 12 against Cincinnati, which sidelined him for a period of time.

Backup Vederian Lowe stepped in during Campbell’s absence and provided decent play over four games. But the young talent and athleticism of Campbell clearly offer more long-term potential. The Patriots are better off having him back on the field, especially as they look to build momentum heading into the playoffs.

Starting-5 Almost Back Together Again

Campbell’s return brings the Patriots closer to having their starting offensive line intact. However, not all positions will be filled just yet. Left guard Jared Wilson is still in concussion protocol and will not play against the Dolphins. Ben Brown will make his fourth start of the season, playing next to Campbell.

Campbell returned to practice earlier in the week and was fully active in all three practices and a walkthrough on Saturday. With clearance to return to game action, it’s expected that he will see action against Miami. This gives him valuable live game experience before the first playoff game, or potentially the following weekend.

Game Day Shuffle

With Campbell back on the 53-man roster, the Patriots now have five offensive tackles on their active team. However, only a few can be on the game day roster. Campbell and right tackle Morgan Moses are locks for the starting lineup. The remaining spots are likely to go to Vederian Lowe and Thayer Munford Jr. Depending on the situation, Munford could be on the fringe and possibly join Marcus Bryant on the list of healthy scratches.

While the team may opt for four offensive tackles for the game, the presence of multiple options ensures depth and flexibility for future matchups.

Milton Williams’ Return: Strengthening the Defensive Line

Milton Williams, who signed a four-year, $104 million deal in March, has been a vital part of the Patriots’ defensive operation. His return adds much-needed stability to the interior defensive line, which has struggled with personnel issues recently.

Improved Defensive Tackle Depth

With Williams back, the Patriots now have a solid group of defensive tackles, including Christian Barmore, Khyiris Tonga, Cory Durden, and Eric Gregory. Additionally, Leonard Taylor and Fabien Lovett are on the practice squad. However, Tonga is out this week due to a foot injury, and Taylor has been elevated to take his place on the game day squad.

Williams’ presence helps mitigate the impact of Tonga’s absence and provides a more balanced approach to both run defense and pass rush.

Trickle-Down Effect

Williams’ return has a ripple effect across the entire defensive line. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses makes the entire unit more effective. Teams will now have to account for both Williams and Barmore, making it harder for them to focus on one player.

Fearsome Twosome Back Together Again

Christian Barmore, in particular, benefits from Williams’ return. Over the past five weeks, Barmore has shown flashes of brilliance but has also been targeted by opponents, especially in the running game. Now, with Williams on the field, teams must decide whether to focus on Barmore or Williams, creating a new challenge for opposing offenses.

Jeremiah Pharms Jr.: Waived from the Roster

In a separate move, the Patriots waived defensive tackle Jeremiah Pharms Jr. Just a week after being signed to the active roster, he was removed via waivers. This means he is now available for other teams to claim. If he clears waivers, he could be signed to the practice squad, where he would provide experienced depth at a critical position.

Pharms Jr. is still receiving payment under the NFL-NFLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement, even though he won’t be on the roster for the game against the Dolphins. He will receive a paycheck of $57,222 for Week 18, ensuring he remains financially supported during this transition.