Two Key Patriots Defenders Miss Practice Week Before Super Bowl LX
Mike Vrabel wouldn't commit to their availability
With so much attention devoted to Drake Maye’s health, the New England Patriots must also worry about two defensive mainstays before Super Bowl LX.
Mike Vrabel confirmed that Robert Spillane and Harold Landry both missed Friday’s practice. The head coach offered a vague response when asked if he expects them to play next Sunday, per WEEI’s Tom Carroll.
“All I can tell you is that they didn’t practice today,” Vrabel said. “And I don’t know what’s gonna happen nine days from now, or however many days that is.”
Spillane missed the final four games of the regular season with an ankle injury before returning to collect six tackles and a pass defense in each of New England’s playoff wins over the Los Angeles Chargers and Houston Texans. However, the 30-year-old hasn’t practiced since leaving an AFC Championship Game victory over the Denver Broncos with an ankle issue after playing just 13 snaps.
Landry missed the AFC Championship Game with a knee injury after returning from a two-game hiatus to play 37 combined snaps in a pair of playoff victories. One of New England’s many impactful offseason additions amassed 8.5 sacks and 19 quarterback hits.
The former Tennessee Titans teammates have both played an incremental role in New England’s defensive transformation after reuniting with Vrabel in 2025. While the Patriots have allowed a microscopic 26 points this postseason, they’ll want all hands on deck to combat a sizzling Seattle Seahawks offense that’s stockpiled 72 points in two victories.
On the bright side, Spillane and Landry have more than a week to prepare for Super Bowl LX on Sunday, Feb. 8.
