Patriots gridiron news: Rob Ninkovich not ruling out return to football
Retired New England Patriots defensive end Rob Ninkovich “not closing the door” on a possible return to the NFL.
As the New England Patriots will kick off the NFL season for the first time in eight seasons without Rob Ninkovich, the former defensive end/linebacker gave indication that he is not completely done with football.
With retirement fresh on his mind, Ninkovich gave indication on CSNNE’s Early Edition Wednesday night that he is still in football shape. He also hinted that he could help the team if needed.
Rumblings of his possible return surfaced when the team lost rookie Derek Rivers for the season and cut defensive end Kony Ealy. Suddenly thin at the edge rush position, the 33-year-old Ninkovich could provide both veteran leadership and depth.
Here is what he said about the possibility of suiting up in a Patriots uniform again:
"“I haven’t had any contact,” Ninkovich said, via Boston.com. “I kind of took some time to relax with my family. Unfortunately, my grandfather had a stroke right before camp and he has passed since. It was nice to be able to go home, spend time with him, go to his funeral, do the things I needed to do for my family, be there for my mom.”"
Ninkovich went on to explain how being there for his family was a blessing and something he wouldn’t have been able to do if he was in training camp. He also said the team appeared in good condition as far as depth at the time of his decision.
Now that they are thin, it does sound like Rob Ninkovich has given a return some serious thought.
Old friend Akeem Ayers
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Speaking of former players who could possibly return, free-agent linebacker Akeem Ayers was one of six players the team worked out on Wednesday.
Acquired in a trade with the Tennessee Titans in 2014, Ayers re-emerged to become an important part of the Super Bowl XLIX championship team. He left in free agency immediately following the season and has not really found the same success anywhere else.
With the Patriots thin at the pass rush and linebacker positions, Ayers would make sense.
Along with Akeem Ayers, the team also worked out LB’s Nicholas Grigsby and Antwione Williams, QB Thad Lewis, TE Ryan O’Malley, and WR Jeremy Ross
Injury report
Second-year defensive end Vincent Valentine is listed as doubtful for Thursday night’s opener against the Kansas City Chiefs. DL Adam Butler, DB Nate Ebner, OT Cameron Fleming, LB Harvey Langi, WR Malcolm Mitchell and WR Matthew Slater are all listed as questionable.
Next: New England Patriots: 5 defensive playmakers to watch in 2017
There is a good bet Slater and Ebner will be available at kickoff.