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Confident Caleb Lomu ready for starting role after Will Campbell injury

New England Patriots rookie offensive tackle Caleb Lomu stepped into a starting role at left tackle after Will Campbell suffered a knee sprain in the second quarter of Sunday’s 24–17 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Campbell, the team’s left tackle, left the game early and did not return, forcing Lomu into action for 47 of the Patriots’ 49 offensive snaps at the position—a career high.

Though drafted in the first round earlier this year, Lomu had been limited to backup and jumbo tight end duties before this week, playing just 12 snaps in his first four games. His confidence in handling the starter’s workload was evident, with teammate and captain Morgan Moses praising his readiness and work ethic, noting Lomu’s ability to ask questions and adapt quickly to the speed of the NFL game.

With Campbell’s recovery timeline uncertain, Lomu is poised to make his first career start at either tackle spot when the Patriots host the New York Jets in Week 6, a matchup featuring a Jets defense that sacked Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson eight times last week.

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