Patriots Suffer Temporary Blow With Loss of Ninkovich

Ian Logue Senior Writer · PatsFans.com since 2000

Aug 9, 2016 at 10:11 pm ET 1 min read 1.1k views

1 min read Patriots Injuries

Injuries were a problem in 2015 and after a relatively quiet start to training camp, the Patriots suffered their first significant loss of the preseason.

According to NFL Media reporter Ian Rapoport, veteran linebacker Rob Ninkovich suffered a torn triceps during New England’s joint practice Tuesday with the Saints. Rapoport also reported that the 32-year old tore just the muscle not the tendon, which will hopefully see him return sometime in October. ESPN’s Adam Schefter followed up the report, saying Ninkovich is expected to miss 4-6 weeks.

Ninkovich has been one of the most consistent players in the league, ranking second currently among defensive ends in consecutive regular season starts with 81, trailing just the Packers’ Julius Peppers, who has 102. He’s also played in 102 straight regular season contests, good for third in the NFL behind the Colts’ Kendall Langford (128) and Peppers (128)

Back in May, Ninkovich talked about the fact that as a former 5th round pick, he’s already made it farther than most players at his position.

“These are the times you really embrace,” Ninkovich told MassLive.com earlier this year. “Again, I’m not going to be able to play forever. I just try to enjoy the moment and be with the guys and work toward the ultimate goal.”

Fortunately it looks like this injury won’t keep him sidelined long and he’ll get another shot to help his team make another run when he gets back.

About Ian Logue

Ian Logue is a Seacoast native and owner and senior writer for PatsFans.com, an independent media site covering the New England Patriots and has been running this site in one form or another since 1997.

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