Patriots defense gets boost as leading tackler to return for playoffs

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Patriots defense gets boost as leading tackler to return for playoffs

Mark Daniels · MassLive

Wed, Jan 7, 2026 ·

2 min read

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FOXBOROUGH – Robert Spillane can’t wait.

The Patriots ’ linebacker and leading tackler hasn’t played in a game in over a month, missing the last four games of the regular season due to a foot and ankle injury. Spillane had also missed the previous three weeks of practice before returning to the field with his teammates at the end of last week.

On Wednesday, Spillane was back on the field with his teammates and said he was preparing to return to the Patriots lineup in this weekend’s AFC wild-card matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers .

When asked if he was ready to play, the linebacker responded, “Yes, sir” before adding that the plan was for him to rejoin the Patriots defense in the playoffs.

“No doubt,” Spillane said. “It was always a goal to be ready for Week 1 of the playoffs.”

For the Patriots, the addition of Spillane should be a big boost. Despite missing the last four games, Spillane still finished as the Patriots’ leading tackler with 97 stops. He also added two interceptions, five passes defended, and a sack.

In his absence, Jack Gibbens stepped up into the starting role next to fellow linebacker Christian Elliss .

Spillane had played 100% of the Patriots’ defensive snaps for eight straight games before leaving the team’s win over the New York Giants early. After the bye week, the 30-year-old said it was difficult to watch the next four games from afar.

“Yeah, it’s tough. It’s really tough,” Spillane said. “You’ve got to recommit yourself to the process every day. It may not be the same process that you’ve been going through all year, but it’s a process of getting better, helping the guys that are on the field succeed in any way possible. I’m excited to be in the later steps of getting back out there.”

Last week, Spillane practiced on Friday, which is the final practice of the week for the Patriots. On Wednesday, he said he was thrilled to be back.

“It means everything to be out there,” Spillane said. “Obviously, you want to be a factor in these games. So that’s the major goal this week. Get healthy, be a good teammate, do whatever I can to be out there on Sunday.

“...That’s why you put in all the work for years and years and years to get those chances. So to come out here (during the playoffs) is everything to me.”

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