What It Means:

Ninkovich was already expected to miss at least the first two games of the season with a torn triceps. This gives the Patriots a way to not rush him back. The only problem now is that he can't be around the team the first four weeks and loses four game checks. Ninkovich's ban may have been the reason the Patriots traded for Barkevious Mingo last week.

Ninkovich logged 905 snaps in 2015, and has started every game for New England each of the past five seasons. The Patriots defense finished 12th in schedule-adjusted Defensive Net Expected Points in 2015, after finishing in the top-10 in 2014.