When the New England Patriots entered the field at Stanford Stadium on Wednesday afternoon, 52 of the 53 players on their active roster were available for practice. The lone exception was one of their most important players.
Robert Spillane, the Patriots’ starting linebacker and defensive signal caller, was a non-participant because of the ankle injury he suffered in the AFC Championship Game.
With Drake Maye (shoulder) returning to full participation and Harold Landry (knee) also back in action, Spillane
is the Patriots’ biggest injury question ahead of Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks. For the 30-year-old himself, however, there is no doubt about his outlook: he expects to be ready on Sunday.
“There’s no chance in my mind that I miss this game,” Spillane told reporters during Wednesday’s pre-practice media availability. “It feels like I’ve been preparing for this moment for years of my life, but 100% confidence from me.”
Spillane left the AFC title game early and while he did return to the sidelines after a brief trip to the locker room, he never reentered the game. Despite what looked like a positive sign at the time, the team captain has not practiced since.
With only two practices plus a walkthrough remaining before the Super Bowl, time is seemingly starting to run out for Spillane. Nonetheless, he doesn’t sweat his outlook.
“Every single day, I’ve been progressing through the injury. It’s been getting better and better and better. So, we’re exactly on track, where we need to be — running, cutting, doing all of that,” he explained.
“Treatment all day, all night, that’s my sole focus. I’m doing everything required from the training staff, and that’s 24 hours of care, taking care of it throughout the night as well. So, we’re going to stay on that plan and trust the process.”
