Patriots snag Jake Ballard off of waivers

Jun 13, 2012

The Giants knew it wasn’t a guarantee that injured TE Jake Ballard would sneak through waivers, but it was a calculated risk they took on Monday in what was a plan to avoid having him occupy a roster spot in 2012.

Less than 24 hours later, the plan backfired.

The Patriots, against whom Ballard suffered the torn ACL in Super Bowl XLVI that has him sidelined, surprisingly claimed the tight end before the 4 p.m. deadline, according to his agent Blake Baratz.

Fantasy Impact:

Doh! The Giants apparently thought that no one would take a shot on Ballard knowing that he would miss some or all of the 2012 season, but the Patriots came calling. Once he heals, he'll join a stacked TE corps that features both Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. His fantasy value is very limited right now.

today

Buccaneers WR Mike Evans practices for second straight day

Greg Auman

0 minutes ago

Cooler weather for Bucs practice today -- Wirfs and Evans practicing again. Still no Zyon McCollum, but Troy Hill and Greg Gaines were practicing today.

Related Players: Sterling Shepard, Jalen McMillan, Trey Palmer

Fantasy Impact:

Fantastic news for fantasy managers hanging on to Mike Evans: he should be considered a WR1 option immediately.

yesterday

49ers TE George Kittle "good to go" for Week 12

KNBR

yesterday · 5:34 PM EST

“I will be playing on Sunday. Very excited, can’t pass up playing the Packers. I will be out there for sure.”

George Kittle says he’s good to go for Sunday

Related Players: Eric Saubert

Fantasy Impact:

Kittle returns to a great matchup against a Packers defense that ranks 26th in TE aFPA. He should be fired up as a high-end TE1 once again.

Bears RB D'Andre Swift misses Wednesday practice

Kevin Fishbain

yesterday · 1:29 PM EST

Per Bears head coach Matt Eberflus: Ryan Bates remains in the concussion protocol. Elijah Hicks (ankle) and D'Andre Swift (groin) won't practice.

Teven Jenkins will be limited.

Related Players: Roschon Johnson, Travis Homer

Fantasy Impact:

This is definitely a situation to keep an eye on, as Johnson would have a huge workload if Swift were to miss Week 12. Homer has three rush attempts and zero targets on the year.