Ninkovich has returned to practice after serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy, the Boston Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Ninkovich evidently past his triceps injury, look for him to return to the Patriots' defensive line mix Sunday against the Browns. Meanwhile, the report suggests that it seems likely that in his anticipated return to action in Week 5, Ninkovich figures to profile "as a rotational asset" along with fellow DE's Jabaal Sheard, Chris Long and Trey Flowers.