Will Campbell Reveals Playing Through Injury, Drake Maye Defends Patriots Teammate After Super Bowl

New England Patriots rookie left tackle Will Campbell told reporters on Tuesday that he tore a ligament in his knee during the season.

Per Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Campbell reportedly suffered a Grade 3 MCL sprain on Nov. 23 in a 26-20 road victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. He sat four games but returned for the final regular season matchup and then suited up for all four playoff contests.

Campbell (and the offensive line at-large) struggled in the Pats' 29-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX on Sunday. Jack Andrade of NFL Network and NFL Media relayed the pressure stats via Next Gen on Campbell alone.

Underdog also added some insight via Next Gen Stats.

Pats quarterback Drake Maye, who took six sacks and 11 quarterback hits during the Super Bowl, was asked about Campbell in his end-of-season press conference, and he gave his wholehearted support to the former LSU star and consensus All-American.

The Seahawks' defense was the best in the league this year, allowing the fewest points per game and second-fewest yards per play. The unit also ranked first in DVOA (defense-adjusted value over average), per Aaron Schatz of For the Numbers.

So the Patriots obviously faced a tough task and simply couldn't get the job done. New England didn't score until the fourth quarter before finally breaking through for a pair of touchdowns.

As for Campbell, he declined to speak with reporters multiple times immediately following the loss, per Ben Volin of the Boston Globe.

He apologize for not doing so on Tuesday. Understandably, Campbell was upset after the game.

Campbell also talked about the criticism he's received.

This was a tough end to the year for Campbell and the Patriots, but they should have a bright future ahead of them with the combination of head coach Mike Vrabel and Maye leading the way.

Campbell, of course, has the potential to turn things around himself. A lot was put on his plate in year one, and another offseason to get right health-wise and improve should certainly help as he looks to take the next step.