Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich is set to miss a chunk of time with an injury that could extend into the regular season.
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The New England Patriots have already had a loaded offseason. They lost star quarterback Tom Brady for the first four games of the 2016 NFL regular season, and have injury concerns with wideout Julian Edelman.
The inactive list is continuing to mount, though, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that linebacker Rob Ninkovich will miss 4-6 weeks with a torn triceps. Missing the expected time would mean he could be out until the second or third week of the regular season.
Patriots starting defensive end Rob Ninkovich now is expected to miss 4-6 weeks after tearing his triceps today, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 10, 2016
This is a blow for a Patriots defense that needs veterans like Ninkovich. They will likely rely on players like Jabaal Sheard, Chris Long, and Shea McClellin, among others, to fill the role opening.
Ninkovich has been a star for the Patriots on defense since becoming a starter in 2010. This includes five interceptions and 42 total sacks across this time period. He also won Super 49 with New England in 2015.
The Patriots open the season on September 11 against the Cardinals in Arizona. They will then face the Miami Dolphins and Houston Texans, which could be the last games Rob Ninkovich misses. From there, we will see when he can make it back on the field for the AFC East favorites.