New England Patriots
Jake Ballard - #88 - TE
| Status | Active |
| Height/Weight | 6' 6"/ 275 lbs. |
| Birthday | 12/21/1987 |
| Birthplace | Springboro, OH |
| College | Ohio State |
| Years played | 3 |
Patriots content with edge rushers heading into free agency
In addition to Jermaine Cunningham, who will be counted on to step up in his second season, DE-OLB Eric Moore could be one of the reasons the Patriots can feel comfortable standing pat during free agency.
Giants set to hire Izzo as assistant coach
The Giants are set to hire former NFL LB and special-teams standout Larry Izzo as an assistant special-teams coach, according to Mike Garafolo of the Newark Star-Ledger.
Great offenses successfully overcoming poor 'D'
The 2010 Patriots had the league's best record despite boasting a poor defense. This is part of a recent trend that begs the question, can QB Matt Schaub and the Texans finally break through?
AFC East best bets to break through in 2011
PFW identifies four players from the AFC East who are ready for coming-out parties in 2011 (clockwise from left) — Roscoe Parrish, Sean Smith, Shonn Greene and Patrick Chung.
Chung talks workouts, Belichick as he preps for 2011
Patriots SS Patrick Chung concluded his first full year starting and is preparing for what could be a breakout season in 2011.
Former Patriots LB Addison dies
Former Patriots LB Tom Addison died Tuesday at the age of 75. He is a member of the Patriots' 1960s all-decade team.
Patriots of 2007, Heat faced similar fan obstacles
With some celebrating the Miami Heat losing in the NBA Finals, the feeling reminds associate editor Eli Kaberon of the Patriots' loss in Super Bowl XLII.
McGinest not exploring a return to NFL
Former Patriots and Browns OLB Willie McGinest appeared to be interested in returning to the NFL after three years of retirement, but said Saturday that he plans to stay retired.
Kraft expresses optimism about talks
Patriots owner Robert Kraft, one of the most influential owners in the current labor negotiations, told reporters Thursday that the two sides are "making progress."
Million-dollar backfield? Cardinals sure hope so
The Cardinals' four-headed backfield of Beanie Wells, Ryan Williams, Tim Hightower and LaRod Stephens-Howling might not be such a bad idea after all.
Faulk attends workout despite uncertain future
Veteran RB Kevin Faulk, who is coming off a torn ACL, attended the Patriots' player-organized workouts, despite being a free agent. If he's re-signed, he will be fighting for a roster spot in 2011.
Lockout limbo: Patriots report
The Patriots don't have a lot to worry about during the lockout but would be more at ease if they knew who was starting on the left side of the offensive line.
Patriots believe Dowling could improve third-down 'D'
The Patriots believe that second-round CB Ras-I Dowling, a physical corner with good ball skills, could help the pass defense improve on third down.
Report: Belichick is highest-paid coach in sports
Patriots coach Bill Belichick is the highest-paid coach in professional sports, according to Forbes.
Belichick: "We're turning our attention to training camp"
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick told the Boston Herald his staff is focused on training camp instead of OTAs and normal offseason work.
PLAYER NEWS
The Patriots placed Ballard on the physically unable to perform list.|||||||
He continues to rehab from a torn ACL he suffered in the Giants' Super Bowl victory over New England in February.
The New England Patriots have claimed Ballard off waivers from the New York Giants.|||||||
Ballard, 24, spent two seasons with the Giants after being signed as a rookie free agent out of Ohio State in 2010. He was released by the Giants on Monday after he failed a physical. Ballard tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the Giants' Super Bowl victory over New England in February. In his second pro season, Ballard had 38 receptions for 604 yards and four touchdowns. He had five catches for 43 yards in the postseason before being injured.
The Giants waived Ballard on Monday after he failed a physical exam.|||||||
Ballard tore the ACL in his left knee during the Giants' Super Bowl victory over New England in February. In his second pro season, Ballard had a breakout year with 38 receptions for 604 yards and four touchdowns. He had five catches for 43 yards in the postseason before being hurt. The Giants have seven tight ends on the roster, including holdovers Bear Pascoe and Travis Beckum - who tore his right ACL in the Super Bowl - and free agent signee Martellus Bennett.
Ballard tore his left anterior cruciate ligament during the second half of Super Bowl, the team announced on Tuesday.|||||||
An MRI discovered Ballard's injury, and with the help of crutches, he was able to participate in Tuesday's parade and ceremonies in New York and New Jersey. Ballard, an undrafted free agent, had 38 catches for 604 yards and four touchdowns this regular season. In the four playoff games, he had five catches for 43 yards. He had two receptions in the Giants' 21-17 win over New England on Sunday.
Ballard sprained his left knee in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl.|||||||
The Giants tight end had hurt the knee earlier in the season and was wearing a brace on it. His return was listed as questionable.
