NFL

Giants’ Kiwanuka ready for anything

Mathias Kiwanuka is both returning and possibly replacing.

Last week the Giants re-signed Kiwanuka, bringing the defensive end back after he missed the final 13 games last season with a herniated disc in his neck. As a re-signed free agent, he’ll likely be able to practice today for the first time since camp started — fully healthy and set to go after what was a potentially career-ending injury.

“That was a very real possibility,” Kiwanuka said yesterday, nodding in affirmation. “I think a lot of that played into my decision to come back. When you’re a fifth-year player and you’re looking at the possible end of your career, not to overuse it, it puts things in perspective.

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“Thank God I have the opportunity to come back and play. The [disc] is completely healed, and I’ve been cleared to play some time ago. It’s something I’ve been waiting for for a few months now. I’m ready to go.”

After signing a two-year incentive-laden contract, Kiwanuka may see his importance enhanced this season with Osi Umenyiora’s status in jeopardy. If Umenyiora doesn’t return, his impact and production on the defensive line — 11 1/2 sacks and 10 forced fumbles — need to be replaced. And the 28-year-old Kiwanuka would be the likely inheritor of the starting job opposite Justin Tuck. Kiwanuka had four sacks in three games last year before getting hurt and has racked up 23.5 sacks and seven forced fumbles in 61 career games.

The Giants may also opt to use the versatile Kiwanuka, who has linebacker experience, as a hybrid between the defensive line and linebacker spots. He’s fine if that’s the case.

“Absolutely. I think it was working out for me before I got hurt last year,” he said. “I have no problem with that.”

Kiwanuka, who called the Giants’ defensive end depth “pretty stacked” even without Umenyiora, acknowledges he’s “most comfortable” at defensive end but can easily shift between positions. He admitted that until he gets hit for the first time, his injury will “be in the back of [his] head.” But he added, “There’s no reservation in terms of how it’s going to react once I get out there.”

As for Umenyiora, Kiwanuka backs his teammate while also hoping he remains a Giant.

“I don’t ever want to get into discussing somebody else’s financial situation because I feel like every man’s got to do what they feel is best for him,” Kiwanuka said. “And if he feels like this is the route he has to take, I’m behind him 100 percent.”

mark.hale@nypost.com