At combine, Giants' GM Reese talks about Burress

New York Giants' General Manager Jerry Reese made some interesting comments about Plaxico Burress during a press conference at the NFL scouting combine.

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.” ...

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.” ...

Reese said he and Burress have traded e-mails, but have not spoken since the season ended—though team doctors have been in touch with Burress.

“I’m assuming he wants to be back, I don’t know why he wouldn’t,” Reese said. “But a lot of things have to work out before that happens. I don’t know what the league will do as far as suspension stuff.”

Maybe the door is open a little wider for Plax than I thought. Whether it is or not, the Giants would be smart to go about planning for free agency and the draft as though Burress won't be around.