The countdown has begun. Both teams held their final practices Friday afternoon and issued the Injury Report for Super Bowl XLII.

Plaxico Burress, the Giants big-play wide receiver who predicted a 23-17 Giants victory, was listed as questionable on New York’s Injury Report with knee and ankle injuries. That means he has a 50-50 chance to play.

The ankle has been a problem all season for Burress, who didn’t practice regularly until the last four weeks. The knee swelled up on Tuesday.

The good news for Giants fans is that Burress did run a few pass routes on Friday, the first time this week he’s been able to participate in practice.

“He’s improved,’’ said Coughlin. “He’s done it all year under all kinds of circumstances. We’ve just got to be hopeful he can do it one more time.’’

Giants cornerback Kevin Dockery (hip flexor), guard Rich Seubert (knee) and defensive end Osi Umenyiora (thigh) were all listed as probable.

The Patriots Injury Report listed, as always, quarterback Tom Brady as probable with a right shoulder injury. But wide receiver Jabar Gaffney, who was limited in practice the previous two days because of a shoulder injury, was not listed on the report.

The Patriots practiced for 80 minutes in shorts and shells Friday. Afterward, Belichick said, “We’re ready to roll. We’re ready as we’re going to be.’’

Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown, who made the rounds of Radio Row earlier in the day, spoke to the team before practice at Belichick’s request. Brown got to know Belichick when he was the head coach of the Cleveland Browns.

Coughlin described the Giants practice as energetic and enthusiastic. "We talked about coming here and having a solid six hours together,'' he said. "We had that each day we worked.''

Saturday is an off-day, with the Giants having a walk-though at the stadium. The Patriots are skipping it.

We'll next report Sunday in pre-game. Check in then.

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