Reese, who attended the NFL's annual scouting combine Saturday, said he's planning for all scenarios, including keeping the suspended wide receiver who shot himself in the leg at a nightclub last season.

"I hope he's motivated, but the legal process is what's most important right now and his health is what's most important right now," Reese said. "But we'll prepare as if he's not going to be here, and if he is, it's a bonus."

Burress faces felony charges of criminal possession of a weapon relating to the shooting, which could result in a prison sentence of 3 1/2 to 15 years if he's convicted.

Reese would not comment on the e-mail sent last week by Drew Rosenhaus, Burress' agent, to NFL teams saying three clients wanted to be traded. Burress was one of them.

Despite the trouble surrounding Burress, Reese said he would take the 31-year-old player back with some caveats.

"We want him to be like everyone else as far as the team structure is involved," Reese said. "Plaxico is a New York Giant right now, so I don't know what it means to 'have him back.' He hasn't gone anywhere yet."

The disparity between Burress' presence and absence was remarkable.

With Burress, the Giants were one of the league's best. He made the winning catch in the Giants' 2008 Super Bowl victory, and helped lead them to an 11-1 record last season.

Without him, it was easier for defensive coordinators to game plan against the Giants.