Giants Not Happy Patriots Claimed TE Ballard

Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images(EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J) -- The New England Patriots claimed former New York Giants tight end Jake Ballard off waivers Tuesday, leaving Big Blue unhappy.

The 24-year-old Ballard tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during New York’s victory over New England in Super Bowl 46. He failed his physical exam, prompting the Giants to release him.

New York was hoping that Ballard would pass through waivers so they could re-sign him and put him on injury reserve, but New England thwarted those plans, leaving Giants head coach Tom Coughlin miffed Wednesday.

"Discouraged’ is a minor description,” Coughlin said. “Very disappointing."

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