The New England Patriots had planned for life this season without the services of defensive end Rob Ninkovich after he suffered a triceps tear early in training camp. But now we know for certain he’ll miss a quarter of the season — but not because of the injury.
Ninkovich told ESPN Boston that he is “devastated and shocked” to have learned that he tested positive for a banned substance and has been suspended for the first four games of the 2016 season. That’s the same period of time the Patriots will be without Tom Brady.
Ninkovich, 32, said he’d never knowingly take any illegal substance and is worried that this will brand him a corner-cutter.
“Few things are more important to me than my name and reputation. This might call that into question for some, which has me heartbroken,” Ninkovich said. “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.”
A team captain, Ninkovich will see his 116-consecutive-game streak come to an end. His contract is up at the end of the season, and the Patriots have added a lot of reinforcements at his rush position the past two offseasons.
Suspended players do not count against the 53-man roster.
The Patriots appear to be in decent shape for now, with offseason addition Chris Long starting opposite Jabaal Sheard, assuming he’s healthy. Shea McClellin, Trey Flowers, Geneo Grissom and the recently added Barkevious Mingo all can help pitch in until Ninkovich returns. His first game he’s eligible to return would be Week 5 at the Cleveland Browns.
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