Patriots DE Rob Ninkovich never returned to the game after sustaining a hip injury in Sunday’s win over the Dolphins.
Ninkovich has been New England’s top pass rusher this season, leading the team with eight sacks and five forced fumbles. The Pats didn’t miss him on Sunday, as they racked up seven sacks in the shutout, including three by undrafted rookie DE Justin Francis and one by Ninkovich’s replacement, Trevor Scott. The Patriots have not updated Ninkovich’s status.