Photo: Steven Senne/AP

Defensive End Rob Ninkovich left practice early during the 1-on-1 segment of Tuesday’s workout when, according to reports, he tore his triceps and was shaking his head as he walked slowly off the field with the team doctor.

The timetable for Ninkovich’s return was in question initially, but it seems as if the recovery time is “weeks, not months”.

Patriots starting defensive end Rob Ninkovich now is expected to miss 4-6 weeks after tearing his triceps today, per source. — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 10, 2016

Ninkovich has 42 sacks since joining the Patriots in 2009, and he has played in 102 consecutive regular-season games. He has only missed one game, due to a knee injury in 2009, out of a possible 126 games.

“Nink” has become the standard for consistency on the Patriots defense over the years. Never out of place, always doing his job. So the question becomes, how do the Patriots replace Rob Ninkovich’s production?

Jabaal Sheard, Chris Long, Shea McClellin, Trey Flowers, Geneo Grissom and Rufus Johnson are all in rotation for work at defensive end and with Ninkovich missing some extended time, the job is up for grabs. The Patriots may also use linebackers Jamie Collins or Dont’a Hightower on the edge of the defense.

Sheard was already in line to start opposite of Ninkovich and that won’t change as he has been virtually unstoppable in camp so far.

I don't want to call Jabaal Sheard unblockable, but blocking him in camp has been an exercise in futility. — Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) August 9, 2016

But who will play opposite of Sheard?

Chris Long is right at the top of the rotation and he has the ability to produce. Long is getting a lot of work at the edge in camp and is expected to shoulder a lot of the load. He is more than capable of putting together a very productive year and he will be motivated to do so as he is currently on a one year “prove it” deal. Chris Long has 51.5 career sacks since he joined the Rams in 2008, and is primed for a bounce back year after only playing in six games last year due to ankle issues.

Shea McClellin is getting some work at the edge of the defense in camp as well as at inside linebacker. McClellin is most likely going to split time with Long unless either player plays well enough to make it difficult for Belichick to take them off the field.

Shea McClellin got a few reps at inside linebacker today. Has been used mostly on the edge to this point. — Adam Kurkjian (@AdamKurkjian) August 10, 2016

Trey Flowers, Geneo Grissom and Rufus Johnson are all going to be forced to progress quicker and could be in line for rotational work during the regular season, but overall, Long and McClellin are set to hold down the defensive end opposite of Sheard until Ninkovich can return.

Follow me on Twitter @DarianHutchins for more Patriots insight.