The New England Patriots saw linebacker Robert Spillane go down with an injury in the first quarter of the AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos.
The team later announced him as questionable to return with an ankle injury.
Spillane is a team captain and wears the green dot for the Patriots’ defense. When he went into the medical tent, Jack Gibbens entered the game wearing the green dot and filled in as the primary communicator for the Patriots’ defense.
Spillane has missed time this season dealing with injuries, but losing him in the AFC Championship is a major blow. Mike Vrabel came out to the field when Spillane went down as trainers looked at him.
The broadcast showed Spillane limping on the sideline in the second quarter. He has started 13 games this season and has 97 tackles on the year. Despite missing time, he leads the team in tackles.
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Spillane’s injury could prove to be a big one for the Patriots. He signed with the Patriots in the offseason and has quickly become a key member of their defense.
The Patriots trailed 7-0 when Spillane left the game. Courtland Sutton scored for the Broncos in the first quarter, and the offense has been unable to get going early. The Patriots punted on their first three drives, marking the first time all season that has happened.
Featured image via Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
