Rob Gronkowski is out with back surgery. Aaron Hernandez was released earlier this week after facing a first-degree murder rap among six charges. If you think that makes Tim Tebow is a lock to transition to tight end with the New England Patriots, think again. A check of the team’s roster and depth chart on Friday showed the former Florida star listed as a quarterback. He’s third, behind Tom Brady and Ryan Mallett.
So where does that leave Bill Belichick and his void at tight end, one of the key components to New England’s offense? Michael Hoomanawanui is listed behind Gronkowski, with Daniel Fells, who caught four balls last season, third string. Behind them looms a name that could prove to be a brilliant waiver claim: Jake Ballard. The tight end out of Ohio State played in 2011 for the New York Giants. He injured his knee in the Super Bowl victory over New England. The Giants planned to put Ballard on IR after sending him through waivers. However, New England grabbed him even though it knew he would miss the entire 2012 season. If Ballard returns, he would help fill the tight end void and could explain Tebow’s listing on the roster and depth chart. Questions? Comments? Send them to lacesoutmail@gmail.com and we might respond in our weekly mailbag!
