The Patriots knew they were going to be without Rob Ninkovich for a few games anyway, even before his suspension.
But now that his four-game exile is over, he appears to be well enough to contribute.
The veteran linebacker suffered a torn triceps muscle before his four-game PED suspension, but according to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald, a source said the injured muscle was “fine.”
That’s a double bit of good news for the Patriots, who are also getting some guy named Tom Brady back this week for his four-week suspension.
The Patriots even extended Ninkovich’s contract during the suspension, to help lessen the financial blow of missing four paychecks.