The New England Patriots have been getting healthy at the right time, and they are set to get another key piece back ahead of their first playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.
At the end of last week, Robert Spillane returned to practice but did not play in the regular season finale. However, he was back on the field on Wednesday and took a moment to speak to reporters. Specifically, when asked if he’s ready to play, the linebacker’s answer was short and sweet.
“Yes, sir,” Spillane said, detailing how the plan was always for him to be back by the playoffs.
“No doubt,” he added (per MassLive). “It was always a goal to be ready for Week 1 of the playoffs.”
Spillane has been sidelined for the past four games due to a foot and ankle injury, and he admitted that he has not enjoyed having to watch from the sidelines.
“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.”
Robert Spillane Is Excited For The Playoffs
GettyRobert Spillane.
The Patriots have their most important game of the season so far this weekend, and it’s one Spillane is excited to be able to contribute to.
“It means everything to be out there,” Spillane told reporters. “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.”
And as one of the veterans in the locker room, he is helping share a message to the others to make sure they are excited, while also remembering that they have business to take care of.
“Trust yourselves,” Spillane explained (per Boston.com). “You put in the work your whole life for these moments. They are fleeting moments, and you never know when you’re going to be back. Given an opportunity like this, go out there, trust yourself, have fun and do what you’ve been doing all year.”
Patriots & Chargers Wednesday’s Injury Reports
GettyMorgan Moses
Patriots Wednesday Injury Report
DID NOT PRACTICE
- C Garrett Bradbury – Illness
- LB Anfernee Jennings – Illness
- T Vederian Lowe – Illness
- T Morgan Moses – Illness
- DL Khyiris Tonga – Foot
LIMITED PARTICIPATION
- CB Alex Austin – Wrist
- LB Jack Gibbens – Elbow
- TE Hunter Henry – Not Injury Related / Rest
- LB Harold Landry – Knee
- T Thayer Munford Jr. – Knee
- LB Robert Spillane – Ankle
- G Jared Wilson – Concussion Protocol
Chargers Wednesday Injury Report
DID NOT PRACTICE
- WR Keenan Allen – Not Injury Related / Rest
- T Austin Deculus – Oblique
- OLB Bud Dupree – Hamstring
- RB Omarion Hampton – Ankle
- WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith – Hamstring
- OLB Khalil Mack – Not Injury Related / Rest
- LB Del’Shawn Phillips – Hamstring
- S Kendall Williamson – Ankle
LIMITED PARTICIPATION
- CB Donte Jackson – Ankle
- DB Elijah Molden – Hamstring
- OL Jamaree Salyer – Hamstring
FULL PARTICIPATION
- TE Tucker Fisk
- QB Justin Herbert – Left Hand
Patriots Get Notable Update On Key Defensive Starter