FOXBORO - The news on Rob Ninkovich's injured left hip is better than anticipated.
After additional evaluation was done Monday, there is cautious optimism that the Patriots defensive end could be back for the Patriots' AFC Divisional Playoff game in 13 days.
Whether or not Ninkovich is able to go in that game, that he has a shot to return at all has to be considered good news given the apparent pain he was in as he left the field Sunday against the Dolphins.
Everything will hinge, however, on how well Ninkovich's hip responds to treatment.