The New England Patriots signed former Las Vegas Raiders standout linebacker Robert Spillane to an undisclosed deal on Monday, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Spillane heads to New England after leading the Raiders in tackles in each of the last two seasons while playing in all 17 regular-season games in both 2023 and 2024. The 29-year-old had 306 tackles (173 solo), 5.5 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, seven QB hits, five interceptions, 11 pass breakups, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery the last two years with the Raiders and will be a big addition to a Patriots defense that was in need of a playmaker like Spillane. The former undrafted free agent out of Western Michigan should continue to be an every-down player in new head coach Mike Vrabel's defense, putting him firmly in play in IDP fantasy formats at the linebacker position.
The Pittsburgh Steelers placed linebacker Robert Spillane on the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Thursday. Spillane has played in 10 games for the Steelers this year, with just one start. He's recorded 17 tackles (one for a loss). Offensive lineman Joe Haeg and linebacker T.J. Watt were placed on the COVID-19 list earlier this week. The 25-year-old Spillane has also been dealing with a knee injury, so even if he clears the league's COVID-19 protocols, he may not be available to return in Week 14 next Thursday when Pittsburgh takes on the Minnesota Vikings. If Watt ends up missing this Sunday's game against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens, the Steelers defensive unit in fantasy could struggle.
The Pittsburgh Steelers re-signed linebacker Robert Spillane to a one-year, $850,000 deal on Wednesday. The 25-year-old saw increased playing time last year when Bud Dupree suffered a season-ending injury. Spillane had 45 tackles, two sacks, an interception and four passes defensed in 12 games (seven starts). The Steelers also signed offensive lineman Joe Haeg to a two-year deal and former Detroit Lions defensive back Miles Killebrew and linebacker Cassius Marsh to one-year deals. Spillane, who was an exclusive-rights free agent, was tendered earlier this month. Spillane could see plenty of playing time again in 2021 after the team released Vince Williams last week.
Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Robert Spillane (knee) suffered a left knee injury in the Monday night loss to the Washington Football Team in the third quarter and is expected to miss time, according to a source. Spillane won't need surgery and is expected to return this season. The injury comes a week after starting outside linebacker Bud Dupree (knee) tore his ACL and was placed on season-ending Injured Reserve. Rookie Alex Highsmith played 60 defensive snaps in Dupree's place against Washington. Spillane was already playing in place of Devin Bush (knee), who tore his ACL in Week 6 against the Browns. Avery Williamson, who was acquired in a trade before last month's deadline, played the bulk of Spillane's snaps in the second half. The injuries have thinned the team's linebacking corps, making the Pittsburgh defense more vulnerable for Week 14 against the Bills.
Robert Spillane
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Patriots
