Patriots Linebacker Skips Ankle Surgery, Keeps the Game Going

Robert Spillane hurt his ankle early in the Patriots’ AFC title win over Denver. He tried to stay on the field, but had to leave when pain got worse. The injury could have hurt him in the Super Bowl two weeks later, so he was listed on the injury report. Yet he played against Seattle and made four tackles in a loss. After the season, Spillane went to the team’s new New Balance Athletics Center for voluntary workouts. He told reporters he didn’t need surgery on his ankle. “No surgery, ” he said. “I take care of myself, and the guys in the weight room help me. ” He praised the plan that kept him moving forward.This wasn’t his first injury of the year. In Week 15 he sat out a loss to Buffalo, and in Week 16 he missed a win over Baltimore because of the same ankle problem. “It’s part of the game, ” he said with a grin. “We know we’ll get hurt. ” He added that missing snaps feels bad, but he’s proud of teammates who stepped up when he was down. Spillane is a captain for the Patriots, and he views setbacks as learning moments. “It wasn’t supposed to be part of our journey, ” he said, “but we can grow from it. ” He wants that growth to fuel the team’s push for a title in 2026. The Patriots now know how tough it is to reach the playoffs. Spillane’s story shows that even when injuries strike, a player can keep fighting and help the team move forward.