Robert

Spillane

Spillane is one of New England’s best run-stuffers and getting him as healthy as possible for the playoffs is of paramount importance to the Patriots. He hasn’t set foot on the field since Week 13, but was spotted at practice on Friday. Mike Vrabel also ruled out LG Jared Wilson (concussion), DT Khyiris Tonga (foot), and OLB Harold Landry (knee) against the Dolphins.

The Patriots again will be without their leading tackler for Sunday’s game against the Ravens. Spillane was unable to get on the practice field this week and hasn’t played since Week 13 against the Giants. In addition to Spillane, the Patriots also listed CB Carlton Davis, CB Marcus Jones, EDGE Harold Landry, and DT Christian Barmore as questionable for Week 16.

Fellow Patriots LB Harold Landry (knee) was also sidelined. Fortunately, Patriots LB Christian Elliss (illness) resumed practicing in a limited capacity. The Ravens’ linebackers are tasked with stopping the Ravens’ rushing attack this weekend. The secondary is also dealing with injuries.

Spillane was a late addition to the injury report last week with a foot issue. He is now listed with an ankle injury, though we suspect they are one and the same. Spillane was active for Week 15 but did not play a snap. He was later spotted in a walking boot. Christian Ellis and Harold Landry also missed today’s practice. That is the Patriots’ top two tacklers and No. 1 pass-rusher all on the sidelines for Wednesday’s session. Their defense could be in a bind if all three are ruled out for Week 16.

Spillane is a standout linebacker and former UDFA from the 2018 class. The 29-year-old became a full-time starter with the Raiders after joining them in 2023, starting in 34 games over the last two years while racking up 306 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, and five interceptions. Spillane should be a three-down linebacker with this kind of contract outlay in New England, leaving Jahlani Tavai and Ja’Whaun Bentley to either compete for one spot or be relegated to early-down duties.

Spillane remained down after a play and appeared to stabilize his knee with both hands. Spillane was able to limp off the field by draping his arms across the shoulders of two Raiders training staff members, lessening his injured leg’s time under load as he strode. Spillane was surprisingly able to return after spending time in the blue medical tent.

The five-year veteran linebacker set a career high in 2022 with 79 tackles as a member of the Steelers, handling an expanded role towards the end of the season with four consecutive starts in which he played every defensive snap. The standout special teamer should also contribute in some fashion to the Las Vegas special teams unit. Spillane’s quickness and athleticism should play well in the Raiders’ 4-3 base defensive scheme but he has had issues in coverage during his career. Ideally, Spillane would fill a situational role in Las Vegas but current depth chart concerns at the linebacker position could force the franchise’s hand early next season.

Pittsburgh extended Spillane a right of first refusal tender earlier in the offseason. With pen now put to paper, Spillane should make roughly $2.4 million in 2022. He totaled 56 combined tackles and two TFLs while appearing in 14 games, four of which were starts last year. Spillane also gets plenty of run on special teams.

An exclusive rights free agent, this was Spillane’s only option. The 25-year-old went viral for stoning Derrick Henry near the goal line early last season. He was the Steelers’ replacement for Devin Bush (ACL) until suffering a knee injury of his own in Week 13. Spillane returns as experienced depth who would ideally not be a starter.

Pittsburgh’s defense will be without Spillane, who replaced the injured Devin Bush (torn ACL), until at least Week 17. Spillane went down in Week 13. Already without Bud Dupree (knee) for the rest of the season, the Steelers’ linebacker group has been decimated by injuries. LB Avery Williamson, acquired just before the trade deadline, is the next man up. Opposing tight ends might have an easier time against the Steelers in the coming weeks. Logan Thomas roasted the Steelers on Monday, catching nine balls for 98 yards and a score.