FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots more than likely will begin the season without one of their longtime defensive stalwarts after Rob Ninkovich reportedly tore a triceps muscle during Tuesday’s joint practice.
Reports indicate Ninkovich could return to the field as early as October, but the Patriots have a hole to fill at defensive end in the meantime.
Luckily for them, D-end was one of their deepest position groups entering training camp.
One player whose role should increase in Ninkovich’s absence is Chris Long, who signed with New England earlier this year after eight seasons with the St. Louis Rams. He’s played with the second team for much of camp, but he could see first-team reps opposite Jabaal Sheard in the Patriots’ preseason opener Thursday night against the New Orleans Saints.
“I mean, listen, I came here with no expectations of necessarily how much I’m going to play or what role I’m going to play,” Long said after Wednesday’s joint practice with the Saints. “I feel like I’m ready to help the team, and however that might be, every day I show up to work and try to figure out what it is I’m asked to do and just do that to the best of my ability. Certainly, we’re going to stand by Rob through the process and just be the best teammate I can be to him.”
Ninkovich has been an extremely reliable player for head coach Bill Belichick throughout his Patriots career. He’s started all 16 games in each of the last six seasons and has missed just one regular-season contest since signing with New England in 2009.
The Boston Herald’s Jeff Howe reported Tuesday, citing a source, that Ninkovich’s injury will sideline him for “weeks, not months.”
“I don’t know the specifics of Rob’s injury, really,” Long said. “It’s pretty early. I just know Rob’s a competitor, and he works his ass off every day. He’s done that for a number of years. He’s a great example to other guys on the team, and I’m sure he’ll just continue to serve as that example not matter what the situation is.”
Knee and ankle injuries slowed Long in recent seasons, but he’s been a highly effective pass rusher in the past, racking up 24 1/2 sacks between the 2011 and 2012 seasons. He’ll take the field in a Patriots uniform for the first time Thursday night.
“It’s always good to get out there in a live situation,” Long said. “You can only simulate so much of it in practice, whether it be a joint practice or a full-on practice with you own team. Getting out there in a game situation, it’s hard to replicate that, so it’s big for everybody.”
Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
