Patriots DE Rob Ninkovich suffered a torn triceps Tuesday, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss. Ninkovich will not require surgery, though, and the team reportedly hopes that he can heal up and return this season because the tendon remained intact. It's not yet clear just how long the veteran will be out, but expect his absence to run well into the regular season. Ninkovich looks like a candidate to open the season on the PUP list. New England signed former Rams DE Chris Long in the offseason, and he figures to factor into the replacement picture. Second-year DE Trey Flowers and free-agent addition Shea McClellin could also see time in Ninkovich's spot. Losing Ninkovich obviously hurts the Patriots defense, but their depth at the position should keep the D's fantasy outlook from taking too big a hit.

The Patriots gave activated DE Rob Ninkovich following his 4-game suspension. He's expects to play against the Browns on Sunday. But keep in mind that he'll also be playing through a triceps tear he suffered in August and joining a DE rotation that has played well without him. IDP owners should hold off on using Ninkovich while we see what his role will look like

As expected, Patriots DE Rob Ninkovich is active against the Bills today.  Ninkovich sprained an ankle in Thursday's practice but still took the field Friday.  He's a strong IDP option in the regular-season finale.

Patriots DE Rob Ninkovich sprained an ankle in Thursday's practice, arrived late for Friday's workout and then turned up questionable on the week's final injury report.  He still took part in that final workout, however, and was joking about his participation afterward.  We'd bet on the starting left DE playing and also bet on his IDP upside in your lineup this week.

Patriots DE Rob Ninkovich doesn't appear worried about the foot injury that forced him out of Sunday's win over the Steelers early.  He even said so in about as Patriot a way as possible.  "In the game there, I had a little something there, just don't really want to get into the specifics of it, but it's something that with having a week off, I'm sure I'll feel even better next week and running around and doing whatever it is as far as a week of recovery," he said Tuesday, according to ESPN Boston.  We'll expect Ninkovich to be ready after the Week 10 bye.