Patriots Add More Linebacker Depth After Robert Spillane Injury

Robert Spillane’s injury is causing some roster shuffling at One Patriot Place.

The New England Patriots announced they signed linebacker Amari Gainer to the practice squad on Wednesday, following up their active roster addition of linebacker Chad Muma on Tuesday.

Gainer, 25, originally entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024, spending the entire season on their active roster before being released prior to the start of 2025. Gainer, who stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs 240 pounds, played five seasons at Florida State (2018-22) before finishing his career at North Carolina (2023).

Muma, 26, didn’t work out after being selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Colts claimed him off waivers following final roster cuts earlier this season, before eventually cutting him themselves and re-signing him to the practice squad — doing their best to keep the incredible athlete (9.77 Relative Athletic Score) who has done well to establish himself as a key contributor on special teams.

Spillane, on the other hand, was seen wearing a boot in the locker room and missed practice on Wednesday, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss. Jahlani Tavai, Jack Gibbens and Christian Elliss were the primary off-ball options during Sunday’s loss to the Buffalo Bills.