Key Patriots Defender Shares Optimistic Injury Update After Missing Practice

The New England Patriots are monitoring several injuries ahead of their Super Bowl LX matchup against the Seattle Seahawks this weekend.

One player they’re keeping an eye on is veteran linebacker Robert Spillane, who’s dealing with an ankle injury.

Spillane missed practice on Wednesday, perhaps putting his status for Sunday’s game in doubt. Thankfully, he provided a positive injury update to the media on Thursday morning.

Spillane said he plans to practice on Thursday and remains “100 percent confident” he’ll be able to play on Sunday, per NBC Sports’ Phil Perry.

Robert Spillane missed yesterday’s practice with an ankle injury, but said this morning that he plans on practicing today. Says he’s still “100 percent confident” he’ll be able to play Sunday.

— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) February 5, 2026

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel also addressed Spillane’s injury on Thursday, saying, “We’ll just see how it goes today.”

Either way, it sounds like Spillane is on track to suit up on Sunday, which is great news for New England. He’s one of the Patriots’ most important defenders and part of the backbone of their defense, which Vrabel acknowledged.

If Spillane doesn’t practice today, he still has one more chance to log a practice on Friday. If he doesn’t practice at all this week, he probably won’t be able to play on Sunday.

But for now, New England is still taking things one day at a time. Spillane is trending in the right direction, though, which seems like a good sign.