The New England Patriots suffered a potentially critical loss on Sunday as starting rookie left tackle Will Campbell left with a knee injury against the Bengals and was carted off minutes later.

Campbell's injury happened with just under five minutes to play in the third quarter as the Patriots were holding on to a 17-13 lead. New England went on earn an ugly 26-20 victory.

Will Campbell injury

Trainers came onto the field and could be seen examining Campbell's right leg, focusing on his knee, before he was helped off the field.

Moments later, Campbell was driven away from the sideline on a cart, with a towel covering his face.

The Patriots declared Campbell questionable to return with a knee injury. He was later declared out for the game.

New England's offensive line had a difficult day on Sunday. Left guard Jaren Wilson left with an ankle injury and was later ruled out. Veteran Morgan Moses left the game with an illness but later returned.

Head coach Mike Vrabel was unable to shed much light on the injuries after the game.

"I don't have an update on anybody right now unfortunately," Vrabel said.

Quarterback Drake Maye talked about how difficult it was to see Campbell and Wilson leave with injuries.

"I love those guys. They're going to be alright. That's big thing about those guys, they're going to work hard," Maye said. "They've done such a good job for us this year. I love those guys. Will and Jared, they've meant a lot to me. I've gotten to know them in different ways. It hurts. I'm disappointed, man. But that's this game. That's life, and they'll bounce back and help us down the road."

"I hope he's back"

Wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who signed with the Patriots in the offseason after tearing his ACL last year with the Houston Texans, was asked about Campbell's injury.

"I hope he's back. I hope it's not as bad as we think," Diggs said.

Campbell has helped stabilize New England's offensive line as a rookie. The Patriots selected him No. 4 overall in this year's NFL draft out of LSU.

With the win on Sunday, New England improved to 10-2 on the season. They take on the New York Giants December 1 on Monday Night Football before heading into their bye.