After watching their tight ends drop several passes in the regular-season opener, the Ravens are reportedly trying out free agent tight end Jake Ballard.
Ballard will work out on Monday, according to FOX Sports' Mike Garafolo.
Ballard didn't play at all last season as he recuperated from a serious knee injury suffered while playing for the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI.
The 2010 undrafted rookie was competing for a job with the New England Patriots in training camp, but didn't make the final cut. He reportedly was still a step slow after the knee injury.
If Ballard can prove he's healthy, he could be a solid addition for the Ravens. The 6-foot-6, 275-pounder out of Ohio State caught 38 passes for 604 yards and four touchdowns in 2011 while playing for the Giants.
The Ravens are looking for a standout pass catching tight end with the loss of Dennis Pitta (hip).
With Pitta out, tight ends Ed Dickson and Dallas Clark had a “frustrating” opener in Denver.
Clark had a potential touchdown pass go off his hands. He was targeted with a team-high 12 passes and finished with seven catches for 87 yards. Dickson had a couple passes fall to the turf as well, and finished with one reception for 13 yards.
The Baltimore Sun reports that the Ravens could try out several players this week, including wide receivers and other positions. The team does not confirm tryouts.
One of those other players is reportedly blocking tight end Matthew Mulligan, who previously played for the New York Jets and St. Louis Rams. The Sun reports that the Ravens are not expected to make a move at this time.
