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Rob Ninkovich injury: 3 ripple effects

By Connor Fulton

Jul 30, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Rob Ninkovich (50) leaves the field after training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 30, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Rob Ninkovich (50) leaves the field after training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jabaal Sheard Patriots
Jul 30, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Jabaal Sheard (93) drills against outside linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill (48) during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Sheard is the man at defensive end.

Before Ninkovich’s injury, the smart money was on an equal opportunity, three-man rotation at defensive end consisting of Ninkovich, Sheard and Long. But now, it looks like Sheard will be THE focal point of the defensive end position. Remember, Long has accumulated just four sacks in the past two seasons, so you can’t count on him to star for the Pats right away.

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The good news is that Sheard has been unblockable at times in training camp this year. Clearly, he is playing like a major component of the Patriots’ pass rush. And really, it’s time for Sheard to step up, as Chandler Jones is out of town and now longtime defensive fixture Ninkovich is out of the equation as well.

Next: 1. End of an impressive streak

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