FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots had a surprise participant and a surprise absentee on their defensive line at Sunday’s training camp session.
Starting pass rusher Rob Ninkovich, who reportedly tore his triceps muscle last week, was present for practice, wearing a helmet, jersey, shells and shorts like the rest of his teammates.
Fellow starting defensive end Jabaal Sheard was absent. It appeared Sheard suffered an injury Thursday in the Patriots’ preseason opener against the New Orleans Saints, though he never left for the locker room.
Ninkovich spent team drills on a lower practice field with trainers.
Wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell, safety Nate Ebner, running back Dion Lewis, tight end Bryce Williams, guards Tre’ Jackson and Jonathan Cooper and offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer also weren’t spotted.
Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
