Jake

Ballard

Beckum is blowing his chance to step up with Kevin Boss gone. He was inactive in Week 1 and now says he isn’t even sure if he can practice on Wednesday. Jake Ballard led Giants’ tight ends with two catches for 59 yards against the Redskins.

Ballard and Manning are starting to find a groove. He’s slow, but is willing to push the seam and carried defenders a la Mark Bavaro today. However, Ballard’s best trait is blocking and Travis Beckum will normally act as the Giants’ pass-catching tight end. We’re not making an add.

Ballard will start training camp as well as the regular season on the PUP list. Having signed Martellus Bennett to a one-year contract, the Giants aren’t going to count on a contribution from Ballard until the 2013 season.

With both Jake Ballard and Travis Beckum recovering from torn ACLs, re-signing Pascoe should be a no-brainer for the Giants despite his limited athleticism. Even if Ballard and Beckum both begin 2012 on the PUP list, Pascoe is unlikely to be worth a look in fantasy leagues.

Ballard felt like he “ripped everything and broke everything” when he went down in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl. The damaged cartilage that required microfracture surgery likely occurred when Ballard went to test the knee on the sidelines after tearing his ACL. Ballard could be facing an additional six weeks on top of the 8-9 month timetable for reconstructive knee surgery. A lock to start the season on the PUP list, Ballard may sit out all 16 games. Odds are against the 2011 breakout starter recapturing pre-injury form in 2013 and beyond.

Beckum is “far more advanced” in his rehab after getting a nearly six-week head start. “It sucks but it’s a part of the game,” Beckum said. “Obviously, I’m mentally here for Jake and we kind of push each other.” Beckum is the far better bet to suit up this season, but neither player will be on the fantasy radar.

Both players are coming off major injuries, Johnson a torn Achilles’ tendon and Ballard an ACL tear. Ballard, who tore the ligament in Super Bowl XLVI, may begin 2012 on the PUP list. Johnson won’t be assured of a roster spot.

He also suffered a jammed wrist, but X-rays came back negative. Quietly averaging 2.8 catches for 45.3 yards, Ballard may miss some practice time, but should be good to go for next week’s matchup with the Redskins.

Ballard suffered a partial tear of his PCL, aggravating an injury that goes back to his Ohio State days. He’s finally making progress and believes he has a chance to return for the season finale.

As are DEs Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora. That means the Giants will be at full strength in both their receiver corps and along their defensive line for the first time in weeks. Ballard will be sporting a heavy wrap, but told ESPN’s Rachel Nichols he’s “90 percent.” Inactive for the Giants are LB Mark Herzlich, WR Ramses Barden, RB Da’Rel Scott, OT James Brewer, C Jim Cordle, DT Jimmy Kennedy and DE Justin Trattou.