Rob Ninkovich injury: 3 ripple effects
While everyone was worried about Julian Edelman’s injury scare yesterday, New England Patriots star defensive end Rob Ninkovich actual hurt himself pretty bad.
It appears that Ninkovich will likely miss his first game action since the 2009 season after tearing his triceps.
DE Rob Ninkovich tore his triceps. It is unknown how long he will be sidelined. If he returns, how much loss of strength affects him is key.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 9, 2016
Here are some ripple effects after the news:
3. Opportunity beckons for Geneo Grissom, Trey Flowers and Rufus Johnson.
These are the three young bucks that were fighting for the roster spot or two behind Ninkovich, Jabaal Sheard and Chris Long on the final roster. Now that Nink is out of the picture for the time being, all three of these guys have increased chances to make the team and contribute in 2016.
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While Grissom made steady progress throughout last year, eventually culminating in a sack of Ryan Tannehill in Week 17, Flowers has been the standout of training camp thus far. Look for the Arkansas product to take this opportunity by the horns, and for Grissom to also up his game a bit.
As for Johnson, he was a story in training camp last year and figures to make a run at the No. 5 defensive end spot (if they take five) now that Ninkovich is sidelined.
Next: 2. Sheard is the man