Posted: Monday August 23, 2004 12:18PM; Updated: Monday August 23, 2004 12:20PM

PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) - The Philadelphia Eagles will look to an old friend to provide insurance for their running game.

The Eagles announced the signing of former Pro Bowl running back Dorsey Levens on Monday, three days after losing running back Correll Buckhalter for the season.

Financial terms of the one-year deal were not disclosed, but Levens made $957,000, including $302,000 in bonus money, while with the New York Giants last year.

Levens, 34, rushed 68 times for 197 yards and three touchdowns as a backup to Tiki Barber on the Giants in 2003.

In 2002, Levens signed a one-year deal to back up Duce Staley and rushed for 411 yards and one touchdown. He also caught 19 balls for 124 yards and a score that year.

Levens' most recent deal marks the second time he has joined Philadelphia following a season-ending injury to Buckhalter.

In 2002, Buckhalter was lost for the season after suffering a torn ACL in his left knee during mini-camp.

On Friday, Buckhalter tore the patella tendon in his right knee in a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens. He was placed on injured reserve, joining defensive end N.D. Kalu, who suffered a knee injury during practice Tuesday, and offensive lineman Jamaal Jackson.

With Staley signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason, the Eagles will feature Brian Westbrook in their backfield, spelled by Levens and second-year back Reno Mahe.

Prior to joining the Eagles, Levens was the fourth all-time leading rusher in Green Bay Packers history with 3,937 yards. He was selected to the Pro Bowl following a 1997 season in which he rushed for a career-high 1,435 yards and seven touchdowns.

The reliable Levens has fumbled just 13 times in 10 NFL seasons.

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