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FOXBORO, Mass. -- Rob Ninkovich might know some secrets to playing on Thursday nights.

The "Thursday Night Football" games have been a point of contention for NFL players, as the short week prevents players from getting the rest they need after getting beaten up for three hours every Sunday. Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman and New England Patriots special teams ace Matthew Slater both spoke out against the games recently, for example.

But Ninkovich has a special technique for staying fresh ahead of Thursday's game against the Miami Dolphins.

"Just hydrate as much as you can and get some good rest and just drink that magic youth potion," the Patriots defensive end said Tuesday.

Ninkovich obviously was kidding, but he didn't have much to offer on how players can bounce back so quickly. For him, it comes down to making the best of it.

"No, it's just doing the best you can with the time that you have and just going out there with another opportunity to play football," Ninkovich said. "Everyone's excited, and you go out there and fly around, do it all over again."

Thumbnail photo via Matt Kartozian/USA TODAY Sports Images