FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots defensive end Rob Ninkovich left Sunday's regular season finale against the Miami Dolphins with a hip injury and is questionable to return.

Ninkovich stayed down on the field after a third-down play in the second quarter. He walked off the field slowly with assistance from team medical personnel, heading immediately to the locker room.

The 28-year old Ninkovich has been an important part of the Patriots defense this season, playing 85 percent of defensive snaps while starting all 16 games. He led the team entering Sunday's game with eight sacks and five forced fumbles.