Is Patriots LB Robert Spillane playing today?

New England Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane is questionable to play on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX.

The veteran defender suffered an ankle injury in the first quarter of the AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos. He left the field early and did not return.

There is hope that the extra week of preparation gives him a real shot at returning for Sunday's game against the Seahawks. He was a limited participant at practice on Thursday and Friday, after being a non-participant on Wednesday.

So he is clearly trending in the right direction.

Spillane has been a major part of the Patriots' linebacking unit this season, recording 97 tackles, five passes defended, one forced fumble and a sack on the year. His return would be a huge lift for the Patriots' defensive front in the biggest game of the season.

If he's unable to play, the team will once again turn to Jack Gibbens as his replacement. Gibbens recorded six tackles in the Patriots' 10-7 win over the Broncos.

Spillane told reporters earlier in the week that he is "100 percent confident" that he'll be ready to go.

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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Is Patriots LB Robert Spillane playing today?