Ninkovich returns to practice. Perhaps no development was more important this week than the return of defensive end Rob Ninkovich to practice on Thursday. Reports earlier in the week indicated that his injured hip might not prevent him from playing in the Divisional Round, and while practicing on Thursday should not be mistaken for a guarantee that he’ll suit up next Sunday, it’s a positive sign for the team leader in sacks. Ninkovich has developed into a critical three-down defensive player for the team, and gives them a versatile player to set the edge from both an end and linebacker alignment.