EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The New York Giants placed leading rusher Derrick Ward on injured reserve Tuesday, two days after Ward broke his left leg against the Chicago Bears.
Ward suffered the injury with about eight minutes to go in the fourth quarter of New York's 21-16 win. He was tackled by Brian Urlacher and Anthony Adams, who landed on the back of his leg.
He suffered a fracture of the fibula, the thinner of the two bones that connects the knee and ankle. Two weeks earlier, linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka suffered the same type of injury and was lost for the season.
Ward leads the Giants in rushing with 602 yards despite missing four games due to ankle and groin injuries. Opening day starter Brandon Jacobs, who has rushed for 599 yards, is expected to play Sunday against Philadelphia after missing two games with a hamstring injury.
The Giants signed rookie running back Danny Ware off the New York Jets practice squad to fill Ward's roster spot. They also released running back Quinton Smith from the practice squad.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved
