Running back Derrick Ward, a key player for the New York Giants before breaking his calf bone late in the season, has re-signed with the Super Bowl champions.

Ward was the Giants' second-leading rusher last season, running for 602 yards on 125 carries, a 4.8-yard average, and three touchdowns.

He also caught 26 passes -- the fourth-highest total on the team -- for 179 yards and another touchdown.

Ward's season ended on December 2 in a 21-16 win against the Bears in Chicago when he broke the bone in the fourth quarter of a game in which he rushed for a career-high 154 yards.

Ward, 27, missed the remainder of the regular season and the Giants' four-game post-season run to the Super Bowl title.

"We are glad to have Derrick back in our stable of running backs, which will create some real competition at that position," general manager Jerry Reese said in a statement.

"He brings a lot to the table as a runner, receiver, kick returner and cover specialist."

Reuters