New England Patriots rookie offensive tackle Will Campbell was placed on injured reserve Wednesday and his replacement revealed some shocking news in the wake of the announcement.
Vederian Lowe has played in all 12 games this season and will make his first start of the campaign in Week 13.
The fourth-year pro started in 13 of his 14 games last season, despite suffering a torn labrum last October in Week 8 against the New York Jets.
“I had a torn labrum from last year that I played with,” Lowe said, according to a report by MassLive’s Mark Daniels. “It was just rough trying to finish the year out. I got surgery. My first offseason dealing with a major injury, trying to get myself back. I was proud of getting myself back, being able to be productive, and securing a spot here. I think the work that I put in was good for the coaches to trust me enough to put me in there.”
Not only did the Illinois product start the final nine games of the 2024 campaign with the injury, but he played 100% of the offensive snaps from Weeks 9 to 17 before appearing on the field for 21 snaps in Week 18.
Lowe even caught a four-yard touchdown pass from Drake Maye in Week 11 vs. the Los Angeles Rams last year while nursing the ailment.
“I definitely feel like I put some good stuff out there last year,” Lowe said, per Daniels’ report. “I feel like playing with it wasn’t the best, but it doesn’t matter. I was just trying to go out there and do the best I could. I’m just excited for the opportunity that presents itself Monday night.”
The former sixth-round pick has played 56 special teams snaps this season and 48 more on offense while backing up Campbell. Lowe has committed just one penalty this year (a false start) after recording 11 infractions during the 2024 campaign.
