Injured Patriots Defender Discusses Potential Return For Playoffs
With 97 combined tackles this season, New England Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane won’t sniff his career high of 158 that he set in 2024, but the offseason signing will still likely end as the team leader in the category.
Spillane has missed the last three games due to an ankle injury after suiting up for each of the first 13 contests.
The 30-year-old discussed his possible return on Friday, ahead of the upcoming playoffs.
“LB Robert Spillane (via ‘The Greg Hill Show’) on potential playoff return: ‘I’m fired up. Every day I come in here looking to get back on the field, preparing. I think we’re progressing in the right direction. I can’t wait to get back out there and be a help to these guys on Sunday,'” ESPN’s Mike Reiss posted on Bluesky.
Spillane posted high marks in tackles for loss (10) and passes defended (seven), as well as tackles during his final campaign with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024. Spillane’s 158 takedowns were tied for the third-most in the NFL last season.
He’s recorded five passes defended, four tackles for loss and two interceptions this season.
Spillane appears unlikely to suit up on Sunday vs. the Miami Dolphins, as he’s missed each of the Patriots’ first two practices this week.
His next chance to return to action would come in New England’s first playoff contest, whether that’s in the wild-card round or divisional round (if it earns a first-round bye).