Christian Ballard left Minnesota Vikings training camp more than two weeks ago, citing personal reasons. It doesn't sound like the defensive end is coming back to the team anytime soon.
Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said he assumes the 2011 fourth-round draft pick won't return to the team this season. Frazier hasn't spoken to Ballard in more than a week.
"I think you have to approach it that way," Frazier said Wednesday, via The Star Tribune. "We have to get these guys ready to play who are here. They're practicing every day and we're moving forward."
Ballard was placed on the active/left squad reserve list. It sounds like Ballard just doesn't want to play football anymore, though details have been scarce.
"If he decides he wants to come back (to the NFL), he has to go through us," Frazier said.
Ballard played 32 games over the last two seasons with two starts, and Frazier said two weeks ago the Vikings were "counting on" Ballard to be part of their rotation. They aren't counting on him anymore.
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