Rob Ninkovich Suspended: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

The New England Patriots will be without one of their top pass-rushers to open the 2016 regular season, as Rob Ninkovich has been suspended for the first four games after testing positive for a banned substance.

The Patriots confirmed the news, per Doug Kyed of NESN.

ESPN.com's Mike Reiss first reported the news, and provided a statement from Ninkovich saying he did not knowingly take a banned substance:

"

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].

One thing I have learned is that if a supplement is not NSF certified there are no regulations that ensure that what is on the label is 100 percent accurate. That is a hard lesson for me to learn at this stage in my career, but I take responsibility for it. It's a mistake I made and it hurts that I won't be there for my teammates.

"

Ninkovich will join quarterback Tom Brady on the suspended list for the first month of the season, as the NFL penalized Brady for his involvement in Deflategate.

As NFL Network's Ian Rapoport pointed out, Ninkovich was already set to miss time due to a triceps injury:

Per Reiss, Ninkovich is worried the positive test will ruin what was previously a pristine reputation: "Few things are more important to me than my name and reputation. This might call that into question for some, which has me heartbroken. I don't want to cut any corners. I want to do things the right way, with high integrity, and that's what I have always wanted to stand for."

The 32-year-old veteran registered 52 tackles and 6.5 sacks last season. Since spending time with the New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins in his first three NFL campaigns, Ninkovich has accrued 42 sacks in seven years with the Pats.

While the Purdue alum still figures to be a big part of the defense when he returns, New England is well-equipped with pass-rushing depth to make up for his loss.

Chris Long and Jabaal Sheard will provide the primary quarterback pressure, while linebackers Shea McClellin and the newly acquired Barkevious Mingo have ability in that area as well.

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