Patriots Defense Facing Key Absences Ahead of Critical Matchup with Ravens
FOXBORO - As the Patriots gear up for a tough Sunday night showdown in Baltimore, the defense is already taking some hits. Inside linebacker and team captain Robert Spillane has officially been ruled out with an ankle injury - a significant blow to a unit that’s been leaning on his leadership and tackling consistency all season.
In his place, the Patriots will once again turn to veteran Jack Gibbens, who stepped up admirably last week against Buffalo. Gibbens finished that game with nine tackles and a sack, showing he’s more than capable of holding his own when called upon. And according to head coach Mike Vrabel, that “next man up” mentality is baked into the team’s weekly prep.
“We ask everybody to prepare as starters,” Vrabel said Friday. “That’s something that’s important. And so, (Gibbens) will start in there, and then different guys will play, packages and everything else.”
But Gibbens isn’t the only player the Patriots may need to lean on. There’s a growing list of defensive starters listed as questionable heading into Sunday night, including outside linebacker Harold Landry (knee), defensive tackle Christian Barmore (not injury related), and cornerbacks Carlton Davis (hip) and Marcus Jones (knee).
Both Davis and Jones told reporters after Friday’s practice that they plan to suit up, but their official status remains in limbo. For a Patriots secondary that’s already been tested by injuries this season, having both corners available would be a welcome boost - especially against a Ravens offense that can stretch the field and force mismatches.
Barmore’s situation is a bit more delicate. He didn’t practice Friday, and while the absence isn’t injury-related, the team has been managing his workload closely since the summer.
That’s due to his history with blood clot-related symptoms, which required extra caution throughout the offseason. When healthy, Barmore is a disruptive force in the middle - the kind of interior presence that can collapse pockets and bottle up the run game.
His availability could be pivotal against a Ravens team that loves to set the tone on the ground.
Landry, meanwhile, continues to battle through a lingering knee issue. He’s been limited in practice over the last few weeks, often sitting out Wednesdays before returning in time for game day. That pattern may continue this week, but if the Patriots want to contain Derrick Henry and the Ravens’ downhill rushing attack, they’ll need Landry’s edge-setting ability and pass-rush presence on the field.
On the other side of the matchup, the Ravens are dealing with some uncertainty of their own. Star safety Kyle Hamilton popped up on the injury report Friday with a new ankle issue, limiting his participation in practice. His status is now officially questionable.
Hamilton has been one of the Ravens’ most versatile and impactful defenders this season, capable of lining up all over the field - from deep safety to nickel corner to dime linebacker. Vrabel didn’t hold back when asked about Hamilton earlier this week.
“I think Kyle Hamilton is one of the best players in this league just from a versatility standpoint and what he can do at the line of scrimmage, covering,” Vrabel said. “I mean, 34 career (pass breakups), 8 career sacks, plays nickel, plays safety, plays dime linebacker.
So, the versatility there is impressive. The playmaking ability is impressive.”
If Hamilton can’t go, it would be a major loss for a Ravens defense that thrives on disguise and flexibility. Baltimore is also monitoring left tackle Ronnie Stanley, who is questionable with both knee and ankle issues. Quarterback Lamar Jackson, however, has been cleared to play after missing time earlier this week due to illness.
As both teams head into a high-stakes primetime battle, the injury report looms large. Depth will be tested, and coaching adjustments will be crucial. With playoff positioning on the line and physical football on deck, expect both sides to lean heavily on their next wave of contributors.
Patriots Injury Report
Out:
- LB Robert Spillane (Ankle)
Questionable:
- DL Christian Barmore (Not Injury Related)
- OLB Harold Landry (Knee)
- CB Carlton Davis (Hip)
- CB Marcus Jones (Knee)
Ravens Injury Report
Out:
- LB Teddye Buchanan (Knee)
- LB Jay Higgins IV (Knee)
Doubtful:
- CB Chidobe Awuzie (Foot)
Questionable:
- S Kyle Hamilton (Ankle)
- DT John Jenkins (Illness)