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Spillane and LB Harold Landry (knee) are both good to go. This was the expected outcome, but it is great news for the Patriots’ defense nonetheless. ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported earlier today that both players could be limited to some sort of snap count, but those types of plans are sometimes cast aside once the game begins. Regardless, LB Jack Gibbens has proven himself as a capable backup.

Patriots LB Harold Landry (knee) is also expected to play. Both players were listed as questionable on Friday. ESPN’s Mike Reiss notes that both players might be unable to handle their typical workload. Spillane’s backup, LB Jack Gibbens, could be asked to “step up” if Spillane needs a few breaks. Spillane missed Weeks 15-18 with the same ankle injury, which he aggravated in the AFC Championship Game. Gibbens notably led the team with 20 tackles during Spillane’s late-season absence. Gibbens’ two pass breakups during that span also impressively tied for a team-high.

Spillane got in two limited sessions to close the week, which is a good sign. The veteran linebacker aggravated an ankle injury in the AFC Championship Game that initially sidelined him in Weeks 14-18. Patriots LB Harold Landry (knee) was limited on Wednesday, sat out on Thursday and resumed practicing in a limited capacity on Friday.

Spillane resumed practicing today after sitting out on Wednesday. He missed Weeks 14-18 with the same ankle injury, but managed to return for postseason play. Spillane aggravated the injury in the AFC Championship Game, yet remained confident that he would play in Super Bowl LX against the Seahawks. Today’s return is a good sign. Unfortunately, Patriots LB Harold Landry (knee) was downgraded today after logging a limited session on Wednesday.

Spillane said Wednesday that he is confident he will play in the Super Bowl, despite missing practice with an ankle injury. The 30-year-old aggravated the injury in the AFC Championship game and has yet to hit the practice field. However, the DNP is early in the week and Spillane’s confidence in playing indicates he will suit up for the Super Bowl. Practice reports the rest of the week will tell if that is indeed the case.

Spillane missed time late in the regular season with the ankle issue. He played in all three playoff games but aggravated the injury during the AFC Championship game. Despite missing some time in practice, it sounds like he isn’t at risk of missing the biggest game of the year. That’s good news for New England. Spillane totaled 97 combined tackles, two interceptions, and one sack in 13 regular season games.

Spillane is one of New England’s best run-stuffers and getting him as healthy as possible for the playoffs is of paramount importance to the Patriots. He hasn’t set foot on the field since Week 13, but was spotted at practice on Friday. Mike Vrabel also ruled out LG Jared Wilson (concussion), DT Khyiris Tonga (foot), and OLB Harold Landry (knee) against the Dolphins.

The Patriots again will be without their leading tackler for Sunday’s game against the Ravens. Spillane was unable to get on the practice field this week and hasn’t played since Week 13 against the Giants. In addition to Spillane, the Patriots also listed CB Carlton Davis, CB Marcus Jones, EDGE Harold Landry, and DT Christian Barmore as questionable for Week 16.

Fellow Patriots LB Harold Landry (knee) was also sidelined. Fortunately, Patriots LB Christian Elliss (illness) resumed practicing in a limited capacity. The Ravens’ linebackers are tasked with stopping the Ravens’ rushing attack this weekend. The secondary is also dealing with injuries.

Spillane was a late addition to the injury report last week with a foot issue. He is now listed with an ankle injury, though we suspect they are one and the same. Spillane was active for Week 15 but did not play a snap. He was later spotted in a walking boot. Christian Ellis and Harold Landry also missed today’s practice. That is the Patriots’ top two tacklers and No. 1 pass-rusher all on the sidelines for Wednesday’s session. Their defense could be in a bind if all three are ruled out for Week 16.

Spillane is a standout linebacker and former UDFA from the 2018 class. The 29-year-old became a full-time starter with the Raiders after joining them in 2023, starting in 34 games over the last two years while racking up 306 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, and five interceptions. Spillane should be a three-down linebacker with this kind of contract outlay in New England, leaving Jahlani Tavai and Ja’Whaun Bentley to either compete for one spot or be relegated to early-down duties.