Patriots: DE Rob Ninkovich Returns After Four-Game Suspension
Defensive end/linebacker Rob Ninkovich is set to return to the New England Patriots defense following a four-game suspension.
Tom Brady is not the only important player returning for the Patriots. Defensive end Rob Ninkovich will return to the field following a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
Like Brady, Ninkovich’s suspension ended Monday at midnight. This means he can now report to Gillette Stadium and practice with the team. Most importantly, the time off apparently gave Ninkovich time to recover from a torn triceps injury that he suffered in the preseason before the four-game suspension was announced.
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Ninkovich, who has become one the top playmakers and team leaders on the Patriots defense, has been a starter since 2010. Along with ex-Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones, he has been one of the team’s most reliable pass rushers during that time. He has also made timely big plays on defenses that weren’t as talented as the group he returns to.
With veteran Chris Long starting in Ninkovich’s position and playing well, it is uncertain whether he will eventually retain his starting role at left defensive end or move to linebacker. If the Patriots go that route, it could possibly strengthen the unit as the strong-side linebacker serves as an extra edge defender in Bill Belichick’s defensive schemes.
With Ninkovich potentially filling that role, Dont’a Hightower would be able to move back to middle linebacker, replacing Jonathan Freeney. Whatever role Ninkovich plays in the defense, he will be back to show fans and teammates the kind of individual he is.
Following the announcement of the suspension, Ninkovich told ESPN’s Mike Reiss that he didn’t knowingly take a banned substance and was “heartbroken” that it put his reputation into question.
“Few things are more important to me than my name and reputation. This might call that into question for some, which has me heartbroken. I don’t want to cut any corners. I want to do things the right way, with high integrity, and that’s what I have always wanted to stand for.”
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Ninkovich will have a chance to make a stand and once again become a leader on a defense that struggled in Sunday’s 16-0 loss to the Buffalo Bills.