FOXBORO — Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane was active for Sunday’s loss to the Bills, but did not play a single snap.

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Spillane had been listed as questionable with a foot injury that ultimately kept him out of action. After the game, Patriots coach Mike Vrabel explained the decision to keep one of his defensive captains sidelined.

“Yeah, we felt like after going through the (pregame) warmups and everything, that that was what was going to be best for him today,” Vrabel said. “And we need everybody, and certainly Robert. And we’ll have to try to get as healthy as we can as quickly as we can.”

In his place, veteran backup Jack GIbbens tallied nine tackles, a sack and two tackles for loss. He teamed with fellow inside linebacker Christian Elliss (seven tackles, pass breakup) to lead the middle of the defense, which allowed five straight touchdowns and 28 points in the second half. Gibbens said it wasn’t a surprise that he got the call to start.

“I just always prepare as a starter, especially with (Spillane) being a little banged up. But (I’m) always preparing to play multiple positions, whatever we need,” Gibbens said. “That’s something I’m kind of doing every week, so it wasn’t unexpected, I guess.”

Before Sunday, Spillane had yet to miss a game this season. He remains the Patriots’ leading tackler by a wide margin with 98 stops. Spillane has also recorded two interceptions, a sack and one forced fumble.

Spillane was first listed on the team’s injury report Thursday, though he was limited for three practices, including a preceding Monday session that directly followed the Patriots’ bye week.

Backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs was the only other active player not to see the field versus Buffalo.