Patriots' Ninkovich suspended 4 games for PED positive test
BOSTON (AP) New England Patriots defensive end Rob Ninkovich has been suspended for the first four games of the regular season for violating the NFL's policy on performance enhancing substances.
The league announced the suspension Friday. Ninkovich will not be eligible to return to the Patriots' active roster until Oct. 3 following the team's game against the Buffalo Bills.
The 32-year-old has not played this preseason after suffering a reported triceps injury during a joint training camp practice with the Saints on Aug. 9. He had returned to practice recently, but had only participated in light conditioning.
Ninkovich was a defensive captain in 2015 and had 52 tackles and 6 1/2 sacks. He becomes the second key piece of the Patriots sidelined due to suspension. Quarterback Tom Brady is also out the first four games to serve a league-imposed suspension for his role in the ''Deflategate'' case.
---
AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL
-
2024-25 NFL MVP odds: Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen early favorites
Broncos' Bo Nix wows Sean Payton with array of impressive passes at minicamp
Chargers rookie Brenden Rice, Jerry Rice's son, feels he has plenty to prove
-
Austin Rivers calls out James Jones for career critique; Jones responds
NFL's 5 most improved teams of the offseason
NFL's 5 least improved teams of the offseason: Cowboys or Bills more disappointing?
-
Julian Edelman reveals backstage tension between Kraft, Belichick at Brady roast
Pats' No. 3 pick Drake Maye wraps up first taste of NFL at rookie minicamp
Tom Brady admits his departure from Patriots was due to Bill Belichick
-
2024-25 NFL MVP odds: Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen early favorites
Broncos' Bo Nix wows Sean Payton with array of impressive passes at minicamp
Chargers rookie Brenden Rice, Jerry Rice's son, feels he has plenty to prove
-
Austin Rivers calls out James Jones for career critique; Jones responds
NFL's 5 most improved teams of the offseason
NFL's 5 least improved teams of the offseason: Cowboys or Bills more disappointing?
-
Julian Edelman reveals backstage tension between Kraft, Belichick at Brady roast
Pats' No. 3 pick Drake Maye wraps up first taste of NFL at rookie minicamp
Tom Brady admits his departure from Patriots was due to Bill Belichick