Patriots claim TE Ballard off waivers from Giants

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) -- The New England Patriots have claimed tight end Jake Ballard off waivers from the New York Giants.

Also, the Patriots placed rookie tight end Brad Herman on injured reserve Tuesday.

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.

Herman, 22, joined the Patriots as a rookie free agent out of Iowa last month.

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