Story by
Patriots top linebacker spotted in a walking boot ahead of Ravens matchup
- Story by
- Patriots top linebacker spotted in a walking boot ahead of Ravens matchup
FOXBOROUGH – The Patriots are hurting at their linebacker position .
On Wednesday, leading tackler Robert Spillane was donning a walking boot on his left foot and missed the Patriots ’ first practice of the week.
Advertisement
The veteran linebacker was sorely missed last weekend in the team’s loss to the Buffalo Bills , after he sat out with a foot injury, and it looks like Spillane’s absence could be extended.
Spillane’s potential absence comes at a bad time, with the Patriots scheduled to take on a tough Baltimore Ravens offense, which features quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry .
Spillane leads the Patriots with 97 tackles and has been the defensive signal caller. He’s also been one of the best run stoppers in the NFL. Pro Football Focus has Spillane eighth among linebackers in the NFL with an 87.3 run defense grade and 18th among all defensive players. Spillane’s 76.3 overall grade ranks him 15th among all linebackers in the NFL.
To make matters worse, Spillane wasn’t the only starting linebacker missing in Wednesday’s practice. The Patriots were also without Christian Elliss . The most experienced linebackers on the practice field were Jack Gibbens , Jahlani Tavai , and Marte Mapu .
Advertisement
The Patriots also added reinforcements by signing linebacker Chad Muma off the Indianapolis Colts ’ practice squad on Tuesday and signing linebacker Amari Gainer to the practice squad on Wednesday.
“We get down to this time of the year and we have to find some guys who have played in games,” Vrabel said when asked about Muma. “(Who) you can use on fourth down in the kicking game. Good speed. Good ability to process and understand what’s going on. I think his experience helps.”
With Spillane out against Buffalo, the Patriots leaned on Gibbens, Elliss, and Tavai. The unit struggled against the NFL’s No. 1-ranked run offense. On Sunday, the Patriots will take on the No. 3-ranked run offense in Baltimore.
More Patriots Content
Advertisement
Read the original article on MassLive . Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
