Those results left the Giants as the only unbeaten team in the NFC East at 3-0. Dallas and Washington are 3-1 and the Eagles are 2-2.

So now the Giants play again Sunday when they host the Seattle Seahawks, also returning from their bye.

But when the Giants next take the field, it will be without their leading receiver, Plaxico Burress, who was suspended by general manager Jerry Reese and head coach Tom Coughlin for failing to appear at a practice the Monday following their last game, a 26-23 overtime victory against Cincinnati.

Burress not only was a no-show, but he also didn't return any calls from the team, concerned about his status and curious as to his whereabouts. That resulted in the suspension, for two weeks and one game, and a fine estimated at $250,000. The player and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, filed an appeal with the NFL Players Association and without an official ruling yet it is felt that any change would result in a reduction of his fine but not permission to play Sunday.

"We admit that Plaxico missed the practice," said Rosenhaus, "but we feel the fine is too severe. We're hoping for a fast ruling by an arbitrator."

The probability is that young Domenik Hixon will get the start at split end, with veteran Amani Toomer remaining as the slot receiver. That would make Steve Smith the first replacement and either Sinorice Moss or rookie Mario Manningham as the fourth receiver. On the other hand, offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride might decide to scrap the four-wideout formation -- or use fleet running back Ahmad Bradshaw as a split receiver.

In any case, the loss of Burress, even for one game, applies more pressure than the Giants need or expected in their fourth game of the season.