Patriots Remove TE Jake Ballard From PUP

The Patriots removed tight end Jake Ballard and defensive back Kanorris Davis from the PUP list today, after they passed their physicals. Both players are now expected to participate in training camp activities.

Ballard has been expected to step into Rob Gronkowski's vacant spot, should Gronk be unable to play at the beginning of the season. All accounts during the off-season seemed to place Ballard ahead of fellow tight end Daniel Fells with regards to reps, although Ballard was labeled "stiff", coming off his injury.

The fact that Ballard was placed on the PUP list came as a surprise and brought into question the actual impact Ballard might have for the Patriots. Bill Belichick and the Patriots signed Ballard after claiming him off waivers as the New York Giants tried to stash him away on their injured reserve. The move was heralded as savvy by most, but if Ballard doesn't have an impact, then the move really yielded no gains.

Patriots fans can expect the spotlight to shine on Ballard during this preseason as his activation will allow him to earn playing time in the starting offense.