Patriots injury report: 4 starters cleared for Ravens SNF clash, what Robert Spillane’s absence means for New England’s playoff hopes

The patriots injury report for Sunday night’s crucial AFC matchup against the Baltimore Ravens brings encouraging news: all four defensive starters listed as questionable have been cleared to play. However, the Patriots still face a significant setback with leading linebacker Robert Spillane ruled out due to an ankle injury. New England travels to M&T Bank Stadium needing a win to clinch a playoff berth and maintain their 7-0 road record to start 2025.

Four Defensive Starters Get Green Light for Ravens Sunday Night

The good news came hours before Sunday night’s kickoff at M&T Bank Stadium: all four Patriots defensive starters who were listed as questionable on the final injury report have been cleared to play. Defensive tackle Christian Barmore (knee) sat out Friday’s practice but will suit up after being spotted on the sideline bike. Edge rusher Harold Landry III (knee) continues playing through a leg injury he’s been managing since Week 6.

Cornerbacks Marcus Jones (knee) and Carlton Davis III (hip) both missed the first two practices this week but participated Friday in limited capacity. The two corners follow the same load management plan, and their availability is critical for New England’s secondary, which holds the 11th-best EPA per drop-back in the NFL when starting all three corners including All-Pro Christian Gonzalez.

Backup corner Charles Woods remains active as insurance if Davis or Jones becomes limited during the game. Woods played solidly last week, allowing just one catch for 16 yards on his snaps.

Robert Spillane Loss Creates Major Challenge Against Ravens Running Game

The Patriots’ defensive depth took a hit with Robert Spillane ruled out. The linebacker and team tackle leader with 97 tackles was spotted wearing a walking boot on his left foot throughout the week and didn’t practice. Spillane saw zero snaps in last week’s loss to Buffalo, a coach’s decision after he didn’t fully recover during pre-game warmups.

Losing Spillane puts immense pressure on the Patriots run defense, already struggling since Week 11 (currently 31st in success rate after ranking 8th through 10 games). Without Spillane and defensive tackle Milton Williams (ankle) on injured reserve, New England will start linebackers Jack Gibbens and Christian Elliss at linebacker. The duo combined for 97 snaps against Buffalo, with Gibbens leading the way with 89 total snaps.

To combat this, the Patriots signed linebacker Chad Muma from the Colts practice squad this week. Though Muma will mainly contribute on special teams, the move aims to lighten the load on Gibbens and Elliss, who are regulars in the kicking game.

Key Players to Watch on Both Sides

Aspect	Patriots Key	Ravens Key
QB	Drake Maye – 290 pass attempts, 23 TDs	Lamar Jackson – Star dual-threat MVP
RB	Rhamondre Stevenson – Active and healthy	Derrick Henry – 1,125 rushing yards, 18 TDs
Defense	Four starters cleared but depth thin	Sixth-ranked rush EPA, aggressive scheme
Status	11-3, playoff berth clinched with win	7-7, playoff push underway

New England’s offense enters relatively healthy with rookie left tackle Will Campbell on injured reserve the only major absence. Quarterback Drake Maye continues making an MVP push with 3,567 passing yards and 23 touchdowns through 15 games. The Patriots can clinch a playoff berth with a victory tonight—their first playoff clinch scenario of the season.

Baltimore brings a formidable rushing attack ranked sixth in rush EPA and second in explosive run rate. Running back Derrick Henry leads the charge with 1,125 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. The Ravens play heavy personnel packages, using three wide receivers at a league-low rate of just 32.8%, favoring tight ends and fullback Patrick Ricard instead.

Stakes, Odds, and Road Record Implications for Sunday Night

The Ravens opened as 3.5-point favorites at M&T Bank Stadium with an over-under set at 48.5 total points. New England enters as the only undefeated team on the road this season at 7-0 away from home. A win would give the Patriots a 7-0 road record to start the season, matching historic franchise accomplishments achieved just twice in Patriots history.

The Patriots can clinch the AFC East this week if they win plus capture victories over the Jets and Dolphins in their final two regular season games. Even a loss tonight keeps New England’s playoff hopes alive, though winning provides a major cushion in week 18. Baltimore’s 7-7 record puts them in playoff contention, making this a significant game for both franchises heading into the final two weeks.

Kickoff is set for 8:20 p.m. ET at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday night, broadcast on NBC.

Will the Patriots’ Depleted Defense Hold Up Against Baltimore’s Rushing Attack Tonight?

This is the central question heading into Sunday night’s matchup. Without Spillane and Williams, the Patriots’ run defense enters in vulnerable shape. New England has allowed 107 rushing yards on just 22 attempts to Buffalo last week, showing vulnerability against the rush. The Ravens’ aggressive ground attack—powered by Henry and Jackson—presents an immediate test of whether backup linebackers can step up without losing productivity elsewhere.

If the Patriots defense can slow Baltimore’s rushing attack, Drake Maye and the offense should have opportunities to control the game flow. However, if the Ravens establish their running game early, it could put tremendous pressure on New England’s secondary and force mistakes. The starters being cleared to play is positive, but the Spillane absence looms large.