Rest can wait for Ballard

Jake Ballard said he won't need surgery to repair the partially torn PCL in his right knee. All he needs is some rest. That's been the prescription for the past month, but Ballard has yet to fill it.

The Giants tight end has been playing on the painful, unstable knee since he injured it against the Redskins in Week 15 and missed the last two regular-season games. He's played in all three playoff games -- although he's caught only three passes for 33 yards -- and plans on playing in the Super Bowl next Sunday.

"I'll do whatever it takes to get that ring," he said.

Ballard was instrumental in the Giants' success through most of the season, particularly on Nov. 6 against the Patriots, when he caught the game-winning touchdown pass with 15 seconds remaining. He may not be physically able to play the way he did then, but he's going to give it a shot.

"A PCL doesn't just heal," he said. "You have to build your strength back up . . . I've been building my leg muscles up and doing rehab, and it's definitely helped."

Kiwi reflects on big yearIt's been quite the year for Mathias Kiwanuka. He's been healthy, his brother is recovering from motorcycle accident injuries suffered last summer, he's playing in a Super Bowl in his hometown, and he said this past week that his fiancee is expecting their first child, a daughter, in March.

"A lot of things have happened, not just footballwise, but my life in general has taken a turn for the better," he said.

Giant stepsThe Giants held their final practice of the season at Timex Performance Center Saturday but were not required to issue a participation report by the league. So they didn't . . . The Patriots are scheduled to arrive in Indianapolis Sunday night, with the Giants arriving Monday afternoon.