Oft-injured Derrick Ward re-signed with the Giants today after a season in which he was part of a group of running backs who did an outstanding job in replacing Tiki Barber and helped New York win the Super Bowl.

Ward rushed for 602 yards and three touchdowns before a broken left leg ended his season in December. He shared the halfback spot with Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw and Reuben Droughns.

An unrestricted free agent, Ward tested the market but decided to stay.

"The Giants gave me my start," he said. "It feels good to come back to hopefully have a good year this year and be a part of the Super Bowl champion Giants. Hopefully, I'll be able to finish my career here."

Ward moved into the starting lineup in the second game of the season after Jacobs sprained a knee in the season opener against Dallas. He started five of eight games before ankle and groin injuries sidelined him.

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

Ward also caught 26 passes for 179 yards and another score. On Dec. 2 in Chicago, he broke his leg in a game in which he ran for a career-high 154 yards. He was then placed on injured reserve.

Before last season, Ward had 35 rushing attempts for 123 yards in his first three seasons with the Giants.

"It was hard sitting out," Ward said. "It's been my dream since I was a little kid to play in the Super Bowl. I wasn't able to play in it because of my injury, but I felt I helped the team enough to get us there. It was a win-win situation for me."

Ward said he is ready to start the offseason conditioning program on March 31.

The Giants signed Ward off the Jets' practice squad on Oct. 13, 2004. Ward missed half the 2006 season because of foot injuries.