Already without the suspended Tom Brady for the first four games of next season, the New England Patriots just took another gut punch, this one to their defense.
According to a report by Mike Reiss of ESPN, defensive end Rob Ninkovich suffered a torn triceps in practice on Tuesday. There is currently no timetable for his return.
DE Rob Ninkovich tore his triceps. It is unknown how long he will be sidelined. If he returns, how much loss of strength affects him is key.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 9, 2016
Ninkovich, 32, recorded 52 combined tackles and 6.5 sacks for New England in the 2015 season. He has been a mainstay on the Patriots defensive line, appearing in all 16 games for them the last six seasons in a row.
The reigning AFC East division champs have caught some bad breaks this offseason with Brady’s acceptance of his Deflategate suspension and health scares for both Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski. Ninkovich’s injury adds to the rotten luck, and the Patriots will just have to hope that the newly-signed Chris Long can hold down the fort on the left side for however long Ninkovich is sidelined for.
Image Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
H/T Rotoworld
