Patriots Send Robert Spillane Message After Odd Coaching Decision

The New England Patriots lost their third game of the season on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.

Before the game, the Patriots announced Spillane as active. He popped up on the injury report with a foot injury on Thursday. However, despite being active and dressing out, he did not play. Mike Vrabel spoke on the decision after the 35-31 loss to the Bills.

“We felt like after going through warmups, that was best for him today,” Vrabel told The Boston Herald’s Zack Cox after the game.

According to Patriots Wire’s Sophie Weller, Vrabel noted that Spillane was available in an emergency, but the coaching staff felt it was best to limit him to just warm-ups today.

Spillane was the first player on the field today, according to WEEI’s Tom Carroll, but he never saw the field. Spillane had played in all 13 games heading into the game on Sunday. He signed a three-year, $33 million deal with the Patriots before the season.

Spillane leads the Patriots in tackles with 97. He also has two interceptions, five passes defended and one forced fumble. Spillane is one of the defensive captains for the Patriots and has been a key player all season.

The Patriots are only one game ahead of the Bills in the AFC East after their loss on Sunday. The Patriots could have clinched the division with a win, but will now have to wait until at least Week 17.

The Patriots are 3-1 in the AFC East and the Bills are 3-2. The two teams have split their games this season, and the final three games figure to have major playoff implications. The Patriots will also be rooting against the Denver Broncos in their quest for the top seed in the AFC.