New York Giants tight end Jake Ballard is a living example of how precarious an NFL career can be.
In February, he was the starting tight end in the Super Bowl. He led Giants tight ends in all receiving categories during a surprising breakout year that included 604 receiving yards. Unfortunately, he tore his anterior cruciate ligament in the big game. Now he's at least temporarily out of a job.
The Giants waived Ballard on Monday after he failed a physical. He will go on waivers for any team to claim. If he passes through waivers, which seems likely, the Giants could place him on injured reserve. Because of Ballard's youth and productive history, we'd guess that Ballard will wind up back on the Giants roster and on IR.
The team also announced that it re-signed defensive tackle Rocky Bernard to take Ballard's place on the roster. Bernard played in every game for the Giants last year as a rotational reserve player. He will be available to participate in the team's minicamp this week.
UPDATE: Ballard's agent said on Twitter that the Giants plan to bring Ballard back.