The New England Patriots came up short in their quest to clinch the AFC East on Sunday, blowing a 21-0 lead in a 35-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills. But as much as a loss to their divisional rivals hurt, it stung even more knowing they were without linebacker Robert Spillane due to a foot injury.
Spillane was listed as questionable going into Sunday’s game and took part in pregame warmups, but the 30-year-old was held out of the game. Obviously, this all came before Josh Allen dominated New England's defense in the second half.
With an urgency to fix things before a trip to visit Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night, Spillane’s status for that game will be a mystery. But the Patriots may have shed some light on the move after signing linebacker Chad Muma to their active roster, according to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz.
A former third-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2022 draft, Muma is a depth signing for New England, and it may hint that the team is taking a cautious approach with their star linebacker as a likely trip to the playoffs approaches.
“We felt like after going through the warmups and everything that that was what was going to be best for him today,” Vrabel said via Khari A. Thompson of Boston.com. “And we need everybody, and certainly Robert. And we’ll have to try to get as healthy as we can as quickly as we can.”
Muma Signing Shows Patriots Taking Cautious Approach with Spillane
This feels like a smart choice given the Patriots’ playoff odds, which are 99% according to NFL.com and The Athletic’s playoff predictor. The Athletic also gives the Patriots a 71% chance to win the division, which is key even though they missed an opportunity against the Bills on Sunday afternoon.
With the playoffs looking like a formality, it made no sense to risk further injury to Spillane on Sunday. But New England also needs him back as soon as possible.
Spillane has been one of the Patriots’ best linebackers this season, collecting a team-leading 97 total tackles and 48 solo tackles in 13 games. New England’s second-leading tackler is Christian Elliss, who has 68 total tackles on the year, and the Patriots were already without defensive tackle Milton Williams, who is currently on injured reserve with an ankle injury.
But even with the injuries, Vrabel emphasized who was on the field, perhaps hinting his team could go without Spillane a little longer.
“They were able to get the running game going. We missed tackles,” Vrabel said. “We didn’t build a good enough wall. Didn’t get off on third down. Weren’t able to create any turnovers. And weren’t getting any stops in the red zone.
“It’s no secret, you know what I mean? Called the same stuff, they called the same stuff. We just have to be able to take advantage of those opportunities that we get to get the drive stopped. Whether that’s a penalty or one-play or third down conversion we’ve just got to be able to learn from it.”
While Spillane could help fix those mistakes, it’s probably wise for the Patriots to get him back with something more than a hat and T-shirt on the line. But for now, Muma will have to bring some insurance ahead of Sunday’s game.