EAST RUTHERFORD -- Orleans Darkwa is finally over the nagging small fracture in his leg that hampered him last season, and he's ready to go.

The fan favorite's 12-yard run against Dallas in last week's 19-3 loss - the lone Giants rushing play of any note - was proof. Now the running back wants to keep doing it again.

NJ Advance Media caught up with Darkwa to discuss his health, his running style, his thoughts on his workload - and how others feel about his workload - and more in this week's Giants 4 Downs interview:

1ST DOWN: Health was been an issue for you the past few seasons. Are you still 100 percent a week in?

OD: "I'm ready to go. I'm ready to play. I feel good. I'm ready to play. I'm out there, doing what they need at a high level."

2ND DOWN: But maybe do it a bit more? A lot of running backs feel they get stronger as they get more carries during the course of a game. Do you feel that way?

OD: "I think so. I think since I've started playing the position, that's kind of been my thing, and in college as well. But at the end of the day, we've got a talented group of guys. We're all going to play, because there's a lot of talent in that room. When you get your opportunities, you make the most of it.

"When you're a running back, you want to eat, right? But at the end of the day, coach Mac knows what's best. He's going to put us in the best position to win. We've got to trust his philosophy. Everyone deserves a chance at bat."

3RD DOWN: Are you familiar with the #FreeDarkwa hashtag on Twitter?

OD: (laughing) "Yeah, I've seen that, and some people have tagged me. I appreciate the support. To have people, I guess that means something good. I love this team, and they know what it takes to win. Whenever my number is called, I'll be ready."

4TH DOWN: What is your relationship with Jets running back and fellow Tulane guy Matt Forte like?

OD: "It's fairly new. I didn't talk to him much when I was at Tulane, because obviously he was busy and didn't have much time to come down. Obviously, that's someone that when I got there, he's the one who had all the records. He was the tip guy. You're shooting for that.

"So when I get the chance to talk to him, I want to talk to him, show my appreciation. He's such a talent that came across. Tulane doesn't have that much respect, but we've got a lot of guys (in the NFL) now that are showcasing."

EXTRA POINT: So they put a metal plate in your leg to help the fractures heal?

OD: "Yeah, I've done a lot of rehab. I don't feel it. It's just that process. I try to do maintenance work, making sure it's strong and ready to go for game day. I'm feeling good, and I have a routine going on to make sure that's good."

TALK IS CHEAP: Is the Giants offense fatally flawed?

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James Kratch may be reached at jkratch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JamesKratch. Find our Giants coverage on Facebook.