From Mike Reiss re Ninko:
I didn't come away from the opener thinking they would make a call to Ninkovich because the focus of the defensive plan was the dime package and the edge rush was productive at times. Overall, I didn't feel like edge issues were that prevalent. So while Ninkovich said on CSNNE he isn't closing the door on a possible return, my sense is that isn't necessarily on the team's radar at this time. Perhaps circumstances will change in the coming weeks.
Mike knows far more about football than me, but I have to wonder if Ninko's ability to set the edge and provide limited minutes, helps lighten Hightower's load.
Also, Reiss commented on the status of Aikeem Ayers as a FA candidate:
The Patriots had Akeem Ayers in for a workout on Wednesday, and he's making the rounds. In addition to the Patriots, Ayers has worked out for the Giants and Saints this week. He played good football for the Patriots in 2014, and I think he could help them if he still shows some of his form from '14.
What makes Ayers' workout stand out is that the position he played for the team in 2014 -- nickel pass-rusher on the edge, and off-the-line linebacker in the base defense -- is still a developing picture in terms of personnel and how it will play out. With linebacker Shea McClellin opening the year on injured reserve (he's eligible to return later this season), a player like Ayers -- assuming he were able to turn back the clock to his 2014 form -- could help fill that void on a unit that plays sub packages about 80 percent of the time.
