Robert Spillane was a game-time scratch against the Bills. Here's what Mike Vrabel said about the decision to sit him.

Robert Spillane, Carlton Davis III among four Patriots defenders to miss practice on Thursday ahead of Week 16 Ravens matchup

The Patriots ruled one member of their defense out for Sunday night's game against the Ravens and they're listing four players as questionable to play.

With Spillane out and effectively replaced by backup Jack Gibbens, the Patriots defense struggled to defend Buffalo’s ground game. The unit surrendered 171 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the day, with the Bills averaging 5.0 yards on their 34 non-kneel-down carries.

In addition to their toils with preparing for a Week 16 showdown with the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, the New England Patriots con

The New England Patriots’ defense could limp into a significant Week 16 game against the Baltimore Ravens. Mike Vrabel delivered some concerning injury updates on Friday. The head coach confirmed that linebacker Robert Spillane will miss Sunday night’s game with a left ankle injury.

The New England Patriots lost their third game of the season on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. Before the game, the Patriots announced Spillane as active. He popped up on the injury report with a foot injury on Thursday.