Pats Pulpit
Robert Spillane is ready to go.
After returning to the practice field for the first time in weeks last Friday, New England’s top linebacker was back to work with the team on Wednesday in their first practice of wild card week.
Spillane, who did not play in team’s last four games with an ankle/foot injury, was always targeting a return for Sunday.
“No doubt,” Spillane said. “It was always a goal to be ready for Week 1 of the playoffs.”
The 30-year-old was first bothered by injury back in Week 13 when he played a season-low 39 snaps in a Monday night victory over the New York Giants. Following the team’s bye week, Spillane was then active in an emergency-only role in Week 15. After being spotted with a walking boot in the locker room, he was inactive for the final three weeks of the season.
“I’m feeling great,” Spillane said Wednesday. “To be a part of this moment is very special to me and I don’t take it lightly or for granted.”
In Spillane’s absence, New England relied primarily on linebackers Jack Gibbens and Christian Elliss. Even without their captain and leading tackler on the field, Spillane continued to make his presence felt.
“Rob’s been unbelievable all season and even since going down just as a leader, as someone to get advice from, to support us, to bring energy to the meeting rooms, to the practice field, on the sidelines [Sunday],” Gibbens said. “Just constantly talking to us and continuing to be that veteran presence that we need in our room and bring energy and support the guys. He’s been awesome.”
Returning for the playoffs, Spillane will now be tasked with helping New England’s defense slow down Justin Herbert and the Chargers offense. The the linebacker is confident he and his teammates will take advantage of the opportunity.
“You continue to work. You continue to trust the process. You focus on the details, the things that you need to do to have a great outcome on Sunday,” he said. “I think as a collection, as a group, I couldn’t be more proud of the confidence level, the focus level of the group.”
