The New England Patriots found themselves trailing 7-0 to the Denver Broncos after one quarter of play in the AFC Championship Game - and they may have taken an even bigger hit on the defensive side of the ball. Veteran linebacker Robert Spillane exited early with what’s being reported as an ankle injury.
Spillane, 30, made his way off the field under his own power, which is always a promising sign, but he was quickly taken to the blue medical tent for evaluation. Not long after, the Patriots announced he was questionable to return.
That said, there’s reason for optimism. Spillane was later seen emerging from the locker room and returning to the sideline. Even more encouraging - he was warming up with trainers, suggesting a potential return to action.
For New England, getting Spillane back would be a major boost. He’s been one of the team's steadiest defenders all season long.
In his first year with the Patriots, he’s racked up 97 combined tackles in 13 regular season games - 48 of those solo - along with a sack, a forced fumble, and two interceptions. That’s the kind of production you count on in a game of this magnitude.
Spillane’s journey to this point has been anything but linear. He broke into the league back in 2018 under Mike Vrabel with the Tennessee Titans, but after being waived, he found a home in Pittsburgh the following year. Over four seasons with the Steelers, he developed into a reliable presence before signing with the Raiders, where he played two seasons and continued to build his résumé.
This season, he’s brought that veteran toughness and football IQ to Foxborough - and it’s shown. His ability to read plays, fill gaps, and hold his own in coverage has made him a key cog in the Patriots’ defense. In a game where every possession counts, his presence could be the difference between a trip to the Super Bowl or the end of the road.
If he’s able to return, it’ll be a lift not just schematically, but emotionally. Spillane is the kind of player teammates rally around - gritty, experienced, and unafraid of the moment. For now, all eyes are on the Patriots sideline, waiting to see if No. 41 is ready to get back in the fight.