New York Giants’ tight end, Jake Ballard, suffering with torn ACL – NFL News Update
The enthralling Super Bowl XLVI victory for New York Giants captivated everyone’s attention and drew many positive reviews, but the winning team received a bad news on Tuesday, February 7, 2012, when it was confirmed that tight end, Jake Ballard, has torn
anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Ballard was injured during the final quarter of the game when the Giants were two points behind New England Patriots.
While catching a pass from quarterback, Eli Manning, Ballard was hit by two Patriots defenseman. He did not lose control of the ball, but hurt his left knee.
Eventually, he was forced to leave the field.
Later when he tried to test his leg, he attempted to run on the sideline, but collapsed as he applied pressure on his knee.
The game was over for him there and he did not even witness the game-winning touchdown by Ahmad Bradshaw.
Initially, it was assumed that Ballard had suffered a meniscus injury. However, an MRI later confirmed that the player had a torn ACL.
Ballard, who is playing his second professional season, participated in 14 games of the National Football League (NFL) regular season while starting 13.
He had 38 receptions for 604 yards and four touchdowns.
In the playoffs, he had five receptions for 43 yards.
Despite the injury, Ballard participated in the parade after returning home as champion. However, he was on crutches.
The team management has not given any time for Ballard’s recovery and it is speculated that the tight end might not be able to play a few games early in the next season.
Ballard’s recovery is crucial for Giants as another tight end, Travis Beckum, also tore his ACL during the first half of the Super Bowl XLVI game.
In an interview after winning the Super Bowl XLVI, Eli Manning said that he was proud of the young players and their prospects with the franchise.
He commented:
“I’m excited about a number of young guys who stepped up this season.”
Manning added that:
“There were some questions going into the beginning of the season on a few spots, but that quickly got answered. Victor Cruz has been a great story, Jake Ballard. Some of these guys have played great football, made great plays for us this year.”
Manning’s remarks clearly shows how important these players are for New York Giants.
The injuries of young players might not bring a good omen for the Giants, who are now eyeing another Super Bowl trophy next year.
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