Despite major concern of Rob Ninkovich's hip injury that he suffered in New England's season finale victory over the Miami Dolphins, it appears that the outside linebacker has avoided a serious injury and should be able to play in New England's first playoff game in the divisional round.

According to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald, Ninkovich's tests on his hip came back with some good news as it appears to be just strained muscles in his hip—nothing serious.

Howe then goes onto report that there is a good chance that Ninkovich will return to practice next week and could end up playing in the divisional round.

Let's just say that the Patriots are very fortunate that the Houston Texans dropped their last two games of the season as they wouldn't have been able to clinch a playoff bye. Now with the bye, Ninkovich will be able to get some much needed rest.

Ninkovich finished 2012 with a career-high eight sacks while recording 58 tackles and forcing five fumbles.

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