Mangold returns to practice

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Mark Sanchez lined up under center early in practice Wednesday and that familiar face with the flowing golden locks was again snapping him the ball.

That would be Nick Mangold, the Jets' All-Pro center, who has missed the last two games with a high ankle sprain.

"It was nice to have Nick back," Sanchez said. "He provides a lot of leadership on the offensive line."

Mangold tried everything he could to play in Sunday's loss to the Ravens, but after working out before the game, he knew his body wouldn't let him.

But Mangold said there weren't any setbacks and he appears to be on track to play against the Patriots on Sunday. "I hope so," he said. "I'm much better today than I was yesterday. Yesterday was much better than the day before. So, it keeps getting better and I'm hoping to play."

Burress sits out

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Plaxico Burress experienced some pain in his left elbow when he woke up Wednesday, so the Jets held the wide receiver out of practice, having him work with the trainers on the side.

Burress doesn't even know how the injury came about, and isn't aware if it's something that can be traced back to the Ravens game. He was treated with ultrasound, but expects to be able to practice Thursday and play Sunday.

"I just had a little soreness, a little stiffness, a little swelling," Burress said. "So they just held me out for today and I'll be ready to go tomorrow and Friday. So it's nothing serious, just a little swelling, a little soreness. But it's nothing to keep me out of the game."

Mason: Who cares?

Don't count Derrick Mason among those who want to get another look at that NFL Films documentary on Bill Belichick. There was one scene that showed a heated exchange between Belichick and Mason, who was with the Ravens then.

"I'm not thinking about that," the wideout said. "Man, I've got to worry about winning a football game. I could care less about the Belichick documentary."