CBS had to cut to an unscheduled commercial break after star New England Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane sustained an injury during the AFC Championship. The game, held at Mile High, featured the AFC No. 1 seed Denver Broncos hosting the Patriots in a crucial matchup for a spot in Super Bowl LX. Jarrett Stidham led the Broncos, with Bo Nix unexpectedly sidelined due to a season-ending ankle injury.

The network was forced to interrupt the broadcast as Spillane remained on the field in visible discomfort. This moment came after a national anthem performance that drew criticism from viewers. It also followed a previous incident where a Patriots star faced backlash for what was described as a disgusting lack of respect during the national anthem.

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The injury proved to be a significant setback for the Patriots. With 3:37 remaining in the first quarter, the Broncos executed a short rushing play that left Spillane down on the turf. Although he managed to walk off the field without assistance, the 30-year-old immediately went into the blue medical tent for evaluation. He then proceeded to the locker room and did not return to the game.

“They need him. This is big,” Romo commented as CBS was compelled to break for commercials.

Spillane serves as a team captain and has become a key communicator on the Patriots’ defense. He joined New England through a three-year, $33 million free agency contract in March, drawn by the chance to play under head coach Mike Vrabel.

He rapidly became a cornerstone of the defense, valued for both his three-down capability and leadership qualities. Spillane began the season as New England’s top linebacker and participated in 95.4 percent of snaps during the first 13 games.

Spillane sustained a foot injury before New England’s Week 15 matchup against the Buffalo Bills and missed the rest of the regular season as a consequence. The veteran made his comeback for the playoffs and was present for a combined 96.3 percent of action against the Los Angeles Chargers and Houston Texans, recording 12 tackles and a vital pair of pass breakups.

Denver seized the lead in the AFC Championship early, with Stidham connecting on a 6-yard touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton within the opening five minutes.

With Spillane exiting the game against Denver, backup Jack Gibbens assumed the role as the Patriots’ defensive on-field signal caller. Gibbens performed that same role during Spillane’s earlier absence this season.

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Nevertheless, the Patriots defense played impressively. With 3:11 left in the first half on third-and-4, Stidham took a hit and seemed to lose control of the ball, which rolled toward the sideline, where Elijah Ponder grabbed possession.

The linebacker then sprinted into the end zone unopposed for a defensive touchdown, only for whistles to sound and the play to be ruled dead.

The officials originally called the play an incomplete pass and intentional grounding. But after review, it was determined to be a fumble recovered by New England for an immediate red zone opportunity.

Maye scored to level the game, and the Patriots and Broncos headed into halftime tied at 7-7. After the break, a heavy snowstorm hit the arena, but New England eventually secured a 10-7 win — and with it, a spot in Super Bowl LX.

It comes after veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins was “intentionally muted” during the pregame broadcast.