Robert Spillane returns to practice after missing part of the Patriots vs Broncos AFC game because of an ankle injury

Remember the AFC Championship Game between Jarrett Stidham’s Denver Broncos and Drake Maye’s New England Patriots? The semi-finale before the Big Game! In the first quarter, 30-year-old Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane and cornerback and punt returner Marcus Jones tackled Broncos’ rookie running back RJ Harvey.The result of that tackle? Spillane stayed on the turf for several minutes, then slammed his helmet down, got up on his own, and left for the blue medical tent. Jack Gibbens took his place to play against Denver.Later, New England announced that the linebacker suffered an ankle injury and was questionable to return. The live broadcast showed in the second quarter that Spillane had returned to the bench and was limping on the sideline. He did not play for the rest of the game. Ian Steele interviewed the veteran about his ankle after the Patriots’ win over the Broncos. “Will get better and be ready for…to go,” Spillane said. Now, the moment has finally arrived. The Super Bowl is in three days. The 30-year-old star linebacker, who recorded 97 total tackles, two interceptions, one forced fumble, and one sack in the 2025 season despite missing four games, will probably play against the Seattle Seahawks in the Big Game!Linebacker Harold Landry III did not practice. Tackle Morgan Moses [not injury related / rest], tackle Thayer Munford Jr. [knee], and linebacker Robert Spillane [ankle] had limited participation at Stanford Stadium. Defensive tackle Joshua Farmer [on injured reserve with a hamstring] and quarterback Drake Maye [right shoulder] had full participation.On Wednesday’s injury report, Spillane was listed as questionable. He is still dealing with an ankle sprain he got during the championship game in Denver.“We’re excited to get out there today and run around and really test it out,” Spillane said in Thursday’s press conference. “Put it to the test. So, we’ll see.There are guys who have played a long time in this league who have waited for this opportunity, myself included. This will be my eighth year in the league, and it’s my first opportunity at a Super Bowl. It obviously doesn’t come every year. We’re just going to take advantage of it and enjoy it.” It looks like the captain may play in the Big Game! Fingers crossed.