New York Giants tight end Jake Ballard has a torn ACL in his left knee, the team confirmed (via Giants Twitter).
Ballard injured his knee during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl against the Patriots after making a cut during a play. Ballard tried to test his knee and realized he couldn't play anymore.
Before the ACL tear, Ballard battled back from a partially torn PCL in his other knee. Ballard missed the last two games of the regular season with the injury but explained his mindset about his injury.
"Unless it comes down to the point where you can't run and you're hurting the team, you've got to get yourself on the field even if your leg is barely hanging on." (via Dayton Daily News)
Ballard had 43 receptions for 647 yards and 4 touchdowns for New York during the 2011 season, including the playoffs.
Ballard was not the only tight end injured during the Super Bowl. Travis Beckum tore his ACL in the first half of the game. With the two injuries, the Giants are now down to just one tight end on the active roster, Bear Pascoe. The length of time that Ballard and Beckum will be out could give the Giants something to think about in the upcoming NFL Draft.
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