Patriots defensive end Rob Ninkovich says he has been suspended for four games by the NFL for a positive test for a banned substance.

The 32-year-old Ninkovich has been dealing with a triceps injury and might not have been available for the opening game anyway.

Ninkovich says he would never knowingly take an illegal substance. But, he takes full responsibility for taking some kind of supplement that had a illegal ingredient in it.

He had played in 116 consecutive games for the Pats.

Look for veteran Chris Long to start in his place.

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