Rob Ninkovich Injury: Updates on Patriots DE's Triceps and Return

New England Patriots defensive end Rob Ninkovich suffered a triceps injury during practice on Aug. 9, per ESPN.com's Mike Reiss. His official playing status for Week 5 against the Cleveland Browns has yet to be announced.

Continue for updates.

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Latest on Ninkovich's Playing Status

Monday, Oct. 3

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Ninkovich is "healthy enough to play" and that he could return against Cleveland.

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Latest on Ninkovich's Practice Status 

Tuesday, Aug. 30

Jim McBride of the Boston Globe reported Ninkovich appeared to be a full participant in Tuesday's practice. 

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Injury Rare for Durable Ninkovich

Ninkovich has been a steady presence along New England's defensive line for the last few years. Between 2011 and 2015, he averaged a little over seven sacks a year. ESPN's Bill Barnwell believes his absence will have a major effect on the Patriots defense:

Losing Ninkovich is particularly troublesome since the team jettisoned Chandler Jones in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals. Jabaal Sheard had a good first season in New England but doesn't possess Jones' overall track record.

The Chris Long signing looks even more shrewd now with Ninkovich missing the start of the season. Long had four sacks and missed 14 games over the last two years, but he's the kind of reclamation project who could thrive with the Patriots.

While head coach Bill Belichick didn't envision having to rely on Long so early on, the eight-year veteran will need to step up to replace Ninkovich at defensive end.