The NFL hasn't made an announcement, but Patriots defensive end Rob Ninkovich told ESPN he's suspended for four games after testing positive for a banned substance.
Under normal circumstances, this would have been a blow for New England. Ninkovich is a 2015 team captain and a talented player who anchors the Patriots' defensive line. But the suspension doesn't really hurt the Pats because they were likely going to be without Ninkovich, anyway.
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The DE tore a triceps muscle early last month and was projected to miss at least two games. The suspension isn't exactly ideal, but it does allow New England to keep a healthy body around for the first four games, while also allowing proper time for Ninkovich to recover.
Because of his injury, #Patriots LB Rob Ninkovich wouldn’t be playing the 1st 4 games anyway. But monetarily and reputation-wise, it hurts
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 2, 2016
As for Ninkovich, he claims he never knowingly took an illegal substance, and he's "heartbroken" over the situation. He wanted to make the suspension public because he values his reputation.
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"Any supplement I've ever used was bought at a store. I was unaware something I bought had a substance in it that would give me a positive test because it wasn't listed (as an ingredient)," he told ESPN.
Chris Long is expected to start in his place.
