Burress sits out again, status remains in doubt

TEMPE, ARIZ. - There is no guarantee New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress will play in the Super Bowl.

Ankle and knee problems caused Burress to miss his third consecutive practice Friday, leaving New York coach Tom Coughlin hoping his star receiver can continue his yearlong trend of playing every week without the benefit of working with his teammates.

"He's improved," Coughlin said after the Giants finished their final practice for Sunday's NFL title game against the New England Patriots. "He's done it all year under all kinds of circumstances. We've just got to be hopeful he can do it one more time."

While Burress did not practice because of a sprained right ankle and swelling in his left knee, he did participate in part of the individual portion of the 80-minute practice at the Arizona Cardinals' headquarters.

Burress, who guaranteed a 23-17 victory against the Patriots earlier in the week, stretched and loosened up with his teammates. The 6-5 veteran, who led the team with 12 touchdown catches, ran a few routes in drills to test his legs, the first time he has done that this week.

Defensive end Osi Umenyiora, who had 13 of the Giants' league-high 52 sacks, missed Friday's practice because of a sore thigh. He is listed as probable.

Injured Giants backup defensive end Adrian Awasom was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving by Arizona state police early Friday.

Awasom, who arrived Thursday for Sunday's Super Bowl, has been on injured reserve since Sept. 18. Team officials said Awasom was sent home by the team.

FROM NEWS SERVICES