"As the Jets offense tried to work through its problems yesterday, there was one noticeable piece of the unit missing.

Wide receiver Plaxico Burress was excused from practice yesterday and today, the team said. Burress was in Virginia, participating in charitable work. ESPN reported he was visiting his old high school and handing out turkeys to needy families.

A team spokesman said Jets coach Rex Ryan gave Burress permission to miss the days several months ago. At the time, Ryan expected this to be a regular week when the players are off on Tuesdays and Monday consists of film review but no practice."