Patriots get good news just before kickoff vs. Seahawks in Super Bowl LX that will help Mike Vrabel’s defense be at its best

A big boost for the New England Patriots’ defense in Super Bowl LX.

Charles Goldman — NFL Managing Editor
Add as preferred source on Google
Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

We’re just over an hour away from Super Bowl LX between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

Both teams had some injury questions heading into the game, with the quarterback injuries taking center stage. However, for the Patriots, there were also some questions about a few key pieces on the defensive side of the ball. We now have the answers to those questions with both teams releasing their list of inactive players for Sunday’s game.

Patriots LB Robert Spillane is good to go after ankle injury scare

Robert Spillane was the Patriots’ biggest injury question heading into the game, with QB Drake Maye (right shoulder) participating in full all three days leading up to Super Bowl LX. The 30-year-old starting inside linebacker, Spillane, told reporters on Wednesday that there was no way he’d miss this game.

“There’s no chance in my mind that I miss this game,” Spillane said. “It feels like I’ve been preparing for this moment for years of my life, but 100% confidence from me.”

Spillane injured his ankle early in the AFC Championship Game and never returned to play in the game. He missed four consecutive practices during the Super Bowl LX bye week, and he didn’t participate in Wednesday’s practice this week. After logging two consecutive limited practice sessions on Thursday and Friday, Spillane was given a questionable game status designation.

“Every single day, I’ve been progressing through the injury,” Spillane said. “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. 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.”

Patriots’ inactive players list for Super Bowl LX

  • G Caedan Wallace
  • OLB Bradyn Swinson
  • OT Marcus Bryant
  • CB Kobee Minor
  • TE C.J. Dippre
  • WR Efton Chism III
  • QB Tommy DeVito (Emergency 3rd QB)

Spillane is officially active for the game, as is fellow team captain Harold Landry III. Spillane should draw the start for New England. In his first season with the Patriots in 2025, Spillane became a defensive play-caller and team captain. He started 13 regular-season games for New England, recording 97 total tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, five passes defended, and two interceptions. He also started all three of the team’s postseason games, recording 14 total tackles and two passes defended.

If Spillane were to reinjure himself during Super Bowl LX, the Pats would use some combination of linebackers Christian Ellis, Jahlani Tavai, and Jack Gibbens to help replace him. They’ll have backup communication helmets on standby in case of an injury.