Is he coming back?: Vikes give Favre a timeline

MINNEAPOLIS (AP)

The Minnesota Vikings reportedly have told Brett Favre to decide this week if he wants to play this year. Coach Brad Childress imposed the deadline on the star quarterback, according to ESPN. The network cited two unidentified sources Monday on its Web site. The Sirius NFL Radio network, however, reported later Monday without citing a source that a deadline is not in place. When Favre retired in February for the second time, he blamed a partially torn biceps tendon for his poor play late in the season for the New York Jets. The three-time NFL MVP said his health was the main reason behind his decision. With the Vikings interested in bringing him back for a 19th season, however, Favre has reportedly been considering a comeback contingent on the full healing of his throwing arm. ESPN has reported Favre had arthroscopic surgery sometime in May on his ailing right shoulder, but that it hasn't responded. The report said the 39-year-old wouldn't return to the game unless he feels better. Time could be running out for that. The Vikings have another series of organized team activities this week, through Thursday, but only two more scheduled for June 15 and 16. Their first full training camp practice is on July 31, but Childress has long called himself a "mother hen" when it comes to wanting all of his players working out at the team's facility and participating in the non-padded, optional practices throughout the summer. Favre ran a similar West Coaststyle offense throughout his years with the rival Green Bay Packers, but even if he's healthy he'd need some time to adjust to new terminology and new teammates particularly the receivers. The Vikings were unavailable for comment Monday. Neither Childress nor Favre's agent, Bus Cook, returned messages. Last Friday, Childress didn't answer a question about whether he'd set a deadline for Favre, claiming he wasn't thinking about it. The same day, Cook told The Associated Press that Favre remained retired as far as he was concerned, but the agent also began touting Favre's ability without prompting as if he were trying to sell the Vikings on a contract. The back-and-forth over deadlines could be related to negotiations. He said: "I would think they would pull out all the stops if they want to get the guy. I think Brett Favre just brings a whole new ballgame to any ballclub. That's no reflection on the guys that are on their team at quarterback right now, but Brett's in a different league than most."