NFC Championship Game, Giants Vs. 49ers: Jake Ballard Says He Should Be Ready To Play

Read More: Hakeem Nicks (WR - NYG), Jake Ballard (TE - NYG), New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers

The New York Giants are a little banged up on the offensive side of the ball as they get ready to head out west to take on the San Francisco 49ers. Wide receiver Hakeem Nicks has a banged up shoulder, but the bigger concern has been the health of tight end Jake Ballard. Ballard had a "procedure" on his knee earlier in the week, but he claims he will be ready to go for the game on Sunday.

"Like I've said before, this PCL isn't going to heal overnight," Ballard told the Star-Ledger "It's going to be 6-7 weeks before you don't feel it anymore. And it's only been four. Playing football, if you land on it or anything, you reaggravate it. So to really get healthy, you've got to go 6-7 weeks without playing football - and that's not going to happen. I'll be ready to go."

For updates and analysis on these teams leading up to their matchup, visit 49ers blog Niners Nation, Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York and SB Nation Bay Area. Don't forget to check out SB Nation's NFL hub for all your playoff news.